summertime goes south

The original plan to circumnavigate Corsica is now postponed to next year. The trip south from Calvi to Ajaccio is some 60 miles, a very long sail, with no harbours or sheltered anchorages for an overnight stop. The weather has become changeable so we decided that discretion is the better part of valour and settled for a few days in Calvi, before returning to Bastia. There are worse places.
Calvi marina lies directly under the impressive citadel built by the Genoese in the 15th century. It is quite a climb up to it but well worth the effort. It has a 13th century cathedral and 17th century Oratory dedicated to St Anthony(the patron saint of lost hats!) as well as the old Genoese governors' palace. It houses the barracks of a division of the Foreign Legion. It was quite a surprise to see them in their distinctive uniforms and brilliant white caps.
The citadel has been besieged a number of times in its history and was taken by Nelson in 1794 during the Revolutionary Wars, after a 2 month siege.
The citadel is not a museum but has a significant permanent population living in the modernised but unspoilt buildings. The old town of narrow streets and small squares nestles under the fortress and is a pleasure to walk around, if a little crowded with tourists. In the week we have been here there have been two visiting cruise ships. A couple of Americans were curious about our presence. After explaining our plans one asked, without irony, if Corsica was an island and part of France! So travel does broaden the mind, at least in this case.
We stayed a week and during the last three days have experienced a series of thunderstorms with all the trimmings!
Glad to be in a safe harbour. Tomorrow (Monday 19th) we plan to set off on our way back, but as I write another huge clap of thunder presages another storm but the forecast tomorrow is much better, so we should be OK.