"Croisiere Cotieres" Sailing around Corsica

From the 17th to the 30th of August 2009

17th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hours

18th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

19th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

20th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

21th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

22th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 5 hours

23th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

24th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

25th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

26th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

27th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

28th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

29th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

(41hrs)

This year's summer camp takes place in a enormous 25 meters catamaran. With the companionship of 20 other teenagers, we sailed all around Corsica in a period of two weeks. The main occupation was sailing this beautiful ship with all the different shores that had to be done to do so around the coasts of Corsica lost in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not simple to sail a boat of this size over such distances. A lot of workforce is required to perform all the different tasks. Fortunately that was not a problem since all of us were very motivated and willing to help. On top of that we were under the instruction of two very competent skippers, who continuously showed us what we had to do. I learned how to pull up the sails, use the different equipments on board to keep the right bearing like the electronic compass, the GPS, the radar and the wind angle. I also learned how to make different knots and fold long ropes neatly, as well as, casting or weighing anchor. We would sail almost everyday and on average 3-4 hours a day, usually in the afternoon. Everymorning before the breakfast, I would go swimming for an hour, since it is such a great pleasure to swim in turquoise blue water and observe the many fishes that inhabit this paradis. On top of that, I would go windsurfing around the Catamaran when the wind allowed me to. These two weeks sailing allowed me to discover the pleasure of sailing while decovering a mindblowing landscape from a different angle; the sea...

Wood Construction; Bird house

10th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 3 hours


11th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 3 hours


12th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 3 hours


13th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 3 hours



14th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 3 hours


15th of August 2009

CAS element: Creativity
Time: 2 hours



This summer I wanted to set myself a challenge and after some reflection I decided to construct a bird house entirely out of wood. I first had to decide on the form and dimensions of my craft work. I wanted it to be, as well as a host for a bird's nest, a food reservoir for all the surrounding birds. When this was done I had to buy the raw material and get started on dividing up the wooden board into the right pieces and cutting them out. This was part was long and hard, since all of it had to be done with an old saw that did not cut very well. Moreover I was not an expert yet at handling this king of equipment. I would work very hard everyday with an average pace of two hours in the morning and one in the afternoon. The next step was to polish with sand paper every single piece of wood to give it a more agreeable touch. I hope the birds will enjoy it because this part also gave me an hard time.
The next day was devoted to the assemblage of all the different pieces with small silver colored screws. This day was very enjoyable since I could finally see my work coming to shape. Every piece coming together more or less smoothly. The last step, probably the easiest one, was to entirely paint the wooden bird house to add a protective layer and an aesthetic touch to it. The chosen paint was brown with a slit tint of red which made the veins of the wood stand out beautifully. I am extremely happy for the end result and proud of myself. I just hope the birds in my garden will enjoy it as much as I did making it...

Hiking in Reunion Island

16th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 5 hours

We woke up early to arrive at the Piton de Maido in the morning. At the top we had a spectacular view above the Circus of Mafate. To appreciate the full beauty of the panorama we strolled for sometime along the cornice of the cliff. After a simple and quick lunch protected by trees, we finally started the real hike to the Ilet Acide few kilometers above us. The climb was steep and rocky, but that was not the biggest problem we faced this day. On the way back we got lost in the jungle that was getting denser for every step we took. Fortunately when all hope was almost lost we were indicated the right way back by a passing local peasant.

21th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

Today's excursion brought us in one of the three circus of the island, the Circus of Salazie. In this new environment, we were able to appreciate a completely new biodiversity; one of the last few conserved primitive forest on earth with its many waterfalls poring down the green organic blanket covering the cliffs.





25th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

In the afternoon we spontaneously decided to go for a small hike to the Bassins des Cormorants not far away from where we stayed. Althoughh it was not long, the path was narrow and slippery and even mudy at times. When we arrived at the waterfall, I was the first one to jump in. The water was freezing and not everyone went for a swim. On the way back we had to take our shoes off because we walked in water canals that run a long the rocks and sometimes in tunnels in the cliff. This last part of the hike was extremely fun and refreshing.




27h of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 9 hours

Today was going to be the biggest hike of the trip in the circus that is only accessible by foot or helicopter, the Circus of Mafate. To enter the circus and gain time we drove up the Riviere des Galets with four wheelers at 6 am. At some points we had to continue by foot and here started the long a perilous hike. For the most part we had to climb up steep and narrow slopes along cliffs, but the panorama that gradually unfolded itself as we passed every turn was worth the endless efforts we had supplied. At lunch we ate at one of the few locals that dare to live in such an hostile and isolated environment. We were like lost in time with these people that lived as if civilization had never existed. Unforgettable experience!!

31th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Today we wanted to walk up the Langvin river to see its two beautiful waterfalls; one called Trou Noir and the other one a bit higher, but I cannot get myself to remember its name. Just walking along the river was by itself magnificent, with the intense bright rays igniting every drop of the crystal clear water splashing against the grey rocks. The waterfalls were also extraordinary, unfortunately the water was still as cold if not more. However once you are in it, it is fine.

Bodyboarding in the Reuion Island

13th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

17th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

19th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Boucan Canot


22th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

Beach of Etang Sale

23th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

24th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Boucan Canot

30th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

31th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Etang Sale

The Reunion Island is well known for its many surfing spots, however since I don't know how to surf I decided to bodyboard instead. It is simpler to learn and you can really enjoy it faster. At the beginning it was not easy; I even got myself injured because if you don't be careful there are some big waves that can throw you against rocks at the bottom of the sea. Nevertheless I learned quickly from my mistakes and I also observed a lot how the others manage to surf the wave. I did not give up and I actually was more motivated more than ever because I am not scared of waves and I love the sensation you feel and you manage to surf the wave for few seconds before the water closes down on you and rolls you down at the bottom of the sea. I often change beach as to try out all the different spots available around the place I stayed. Each spot is unique and has its own characteristics . This enabled be to quickly make improvement and to my surprised to discover the endless possibilities a simple board can offer on a wave with a bit of skills and determination.

Scuba Diving in Reunion Island

15th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

This was not my first diving since I have been scuba diving since I was 11 years old, however since I moved to Paris I had not scuba dived, about two years. As a consequence, I was thrilled to finally scuba dive again and rediscover the pleasure brought by the underwater world. I dove just in phase with the beach of Boucan Canot where I would sometimes body board. The coral reef was not that abundant, I had seen better, however the wildlife was not for all that restrained. Apart from the many coral reef fishes, we spotted a lion fish and two turtoises; a good dive.