La Rochelle & Dune du Pilat
1 August 2019
We had parked for the night in a lot next to an old fortress near La Rochelle, France. It was already dark, but we were able to get the van organized while listening to music coming from a nearby concert. When we woke, we had a lovely view of the ocean and found a bathroom in the fortress. The old fortress had an aging cannon and anchor on display. We didn’t stay very long before heading to our next destination; the Dune of Pilat- the largest sand dune in Europe. Beforehand, we stopped to shop a bit where French people didn’t hesitate to tell us we were “going the wrong way” in the store or stare at us with a very noticeable stink eye. It was a bit of an adjustment, but we are learning as we go.
The area around the dune was very busy, so it was difficult to find parking. But from the road, we could see the giant dune towering over the trees. We finally found a spot to park! We hurried to nab it, when all of a sudden we sunk deep into soft sand…. We recognized our mistake immediately and tried to reverse out of the spot. We were stuck! We felt like silly tourists as we began digging ourselves out, not really getting anywhere. No one stopped to help us except for a very kind Spaniard from San Sebastián who said, “I have been stuck like this before and people helped me, so I feel like it is my turn to do the helping!” We were grateful he did because we eventually were freed! We thanked him and waved goodbye. I wish I would have taken some pictures, but it was kind of a stressful moment haha.
Once parked in a safe space, we began the hike up the dune. We had to take several breaks as we trudged up the steep sandy hill. This grand French dune reminded us of the Great Sand Dunes in Alamosa, CO. But this time it was nicer because there was way less wind! Our efforts were rewarded at the top with a wonderful color scheme of blues and greens and a white sandy base. The water was chilly and murky, but we were thankful for the break and the cool dip.
The walk back wasn’t as steep and we were able to bound with ease down the path we had trudged up earlier. We think Ben broke the world record for the long jump as the incline gave him a few extra feet! We got back into the car ready to explore the country of Spain!
-Syd & Ben
Vaughan_Ventures 