Yesterday (Thurs) was a big day - As Ks & Ps converged on the Hs, already seasoned Marseillais after a day. Planning was immediately underway as we were to pick up the boat & provision it early as today is Bastille Day & therefore a long weekend (with no one around to help us) So after the huge trip from Oz, Brian Di Cheryl & Marty set off to find the marina, Bernard (owner) & the boat. A 15k ride turned into approx 50k trip including taxis,- too short, bus - too long, shank's pony - waaaay to long & a huge fisticuffs road rage incident with a woman & 3 guys, to eventually be found trudging bewildered along the side of the road (trying to describe their location by phone with a language problem) by Bernad's daughter. Joy! While Brian got the gen on the boat, the others had to make tired grumpy provision choices in the most humongous Carrefour - a whole aisle of olive oil with no light oil to be found.

Things did get better & after beers, good pizza a ride in a giant ferris wheel over the lights of the old city (not Dianne!) & a great breakfast this morning, we're now happily ensconced in 'Clementine'. The mistral is blowing too hard for us to leave, so we've spent the afternoon eating, drinking & reading. Now Brian is cooking us spagetti bog & all is Liberte, egalite fraternite!! Happy Bastille Day!!

ps we've added the photo upside down so you can all see it properly (except those of you in the northern hemisphere!