'Do something everyday that scares you', is one of Angela's great sayings. Well today was one of those days. We have cycled all over the island in the past, but never visited the Phare des Baleines, (Whale Lighthouse).
The lighthouse is one of the tallest in France at 60 metres.
Climbing the 257 steps inside it didn't really bother Angela until we started the ascent and she glanced down through the stairwell in the inner chamber of the lighthouse. Oh my God. And just when it couldn't get worse, we had to climb up a narrow metal section to reach the gallery that encircled the watch room. The view from the top was however fantastic.
In one direction a vast white sand beach, the seawater a stunning turquoise, the other flat open countryside, salt pans and wildlife. But Angela was uneasy, she was more than a little panicked about the descent. She suffers from acrophobia, in other words not so keen on heights. It causes fear of instability especially when descending a steep flight of stairs.
But with John's assistance we walked side by side down together, Angela holding on to John's hand for dear life. John reminded Angela she wanted to visit the lighthouse. Angela is determined to beat some of her fears, and in the last few months she's flown twice, taken a cable car and now conquered walking down 257 steps trying not to look down. Her new saying is, 'feel the fear, but do it anyway', if you don't you may miss out on some wonderful things. Today has once again been very hot, but thankfully when we stopped at the small town of Ars-en-Re a welcome breeze greeted us. The town is pretty, low houses with white washed facades line narrow cobbled streets.
The church of Saint-Etienne with its striking black and white bell tower can be seen for miles. Many years ago it was used as a marker for sailors. This evening the weather has changed. It feels cooler and fresher. Down at the harbour in La Flotte we were surprised how overnight the visitors had changed. Less oldies, and more young trendy types and families. The main holiday season is about to begin here in France. Tomorrow will be our last day on the Ile de Re, so we will probably take a long walk out now the weather is cooler. We will be sad to leave the island, but can see from the increasing visitor numbers that the time is right.
No comments:
Post a Comment