Overnight or Overland to Agadir

Overnight to Agadir.   A modern city rebuilt after destruction by an earthquake in 1960.  The Kasbah with views over city and harbour survived.   A popular beach resort, the King has a palace in the city and visits reguarly.    In ruins, the Kasbah still gave a strong impression of it former strength.  The souk and the folkshow produced Morocco's promised colour.

The overland party returned after not only the excitement of Marrakesk but also the drive over the High Atlas Mountains to return to Fram.  Experimenting with the traditional mode of transport, some went camel trekking in the sand dunes.  Though it seems many preferred the camels carved in cedar wood in the souk to getting close to the real thing.

 

A jeep safari took in the Massa Valley National Park and returned to the harbour off-road along the coastline and the fisherman's simple homes.  

After another fabulous day in Africa, and as this voyage nears end, the evening was given over to a Phillipino Buffet followed by the ever entertaining Crew Show.

Onward to Porto in Portugal

     Stunning moonlight accompanied the overnight sail towards Portugal and the port of Leixoes, just 10 km drive away from the centre of Porto. 

     Vímara Peres, was sent by King Alfonso III of Asturias, Leon and Galicia,to regain from the Moors the area from the Minho River to the Douro River including the city of Portus Cale later named Porto and Gaia from where the name of Portugal emerged. A statue of this 9th Century hero stands next to the Cathedral.

     Walking in the centre of Porto is not just about seeing historic buildings and the famed tile decorations. Laundry hangs out to dry, elderly ladies sharpen their kitchen knives on the granite steps, goods are delivered. The streets and the rail station bustle with activity.

At the mouth of the River Douro the local fishermen were fixing the nets used from their small boats. A little further inland the port wine warehouses nestle together on the opposite river bank from the civic centre. Joining the two is Gustav Eiffel's distinctive iron bridge, carrying road and tram traffic on different levels.

     Port is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the demarcated Douro Valley Region. Helped by the microclimate around one hundred different varieties of grape are grown. Typically a sweet, red wine is produced, often served as a dessert wine, but there are also dry, semi-dry, and white varieties.

     In the early history of the port wine trade, many of the most powerful traders were English families. Over the years Portuguese, as well as Dutch, German and Scottish-owned shippers became prevalent in the port industry. Fram's guests visited the warehouses of rivals Calem and Sandeman. Tasting, of course, the only way to appreciate this particular heritage of Porto!

Nantes

Past St. Nazaire, 56 km down the Loire River (the longest in France) to Nantes.  With a history spanning three thousand years the city developed at a place where a number of islands embraced by the river enabled it to be crossed and bridges to be built.  Notable amongst many historic buildings are the St. Pierre Cathedral and the Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany.

     A region for Muscadet, Sancerre and Vouvrey wine, the estate of Chateau de Goulaine is thought to be the oldest known wine business in existence. Their fine tapestries and butterfly house were enjoyed as well as their wine.

     Nantes is also the home of LU biscuits, their "petit beurre" still produced after more than a hundred years, though no longer in local ownership.

What started as a grey afternoon turned to sun in time for enthusiastic photographers to catch the autumn colours at Clisson. Coaches returned from excursions to a pipe band playing at the gangway and a superb sunset.

Company at Sea

There was good company along the French coast heading towards our next port of Nantes. Birds and vessels came and went from view through the day.

     Northern Gannets nest on the south coast of England, but they are back at sea now that the breeding season is over. The wind made this a good day for them.
     Commercial and small boats passed and distinct, but a little too far away to photograph well, sight of the tall masted sail ship The Bounty.
     The original is one of the most famous ships in the world. known for the mutiny which took place in Tahiti in 1798. This replica was constructed by MGM for the 1962 movie “Mutiny on the Bounty” starring Marlon Brando.  Now this Bounty sails around the world offering dockside tours about the history and details of sailing vessels from another time in maritime history.