Morning found us steaming north from our previous days of adventure in Corsica, headed for the mainland of France.  After a morning at sea, we arrived in the picturesque village of Le Pradet in Provence. While National Geographic Orion kept station half a mile off the tiny port, we used our Zodiacs to ferry in to land. Our drivers were able to navigate narrow country bridges and overgrown lanes, eventually arriving to visit the family farm of expedition leader Alizé Carrère, where they raise organic eggs. The mayor welcomed us with a warm speech. A neighboring vineyard invited us to walk over through the newly plowed fields for a tasting and to learn about developing methods of sustainable grape growing.  During the tasting and discussion, the onboard archaeologist scouted around for flakes of obsidian and flint, proof that residents thousands of years ago appreciated the lure of Provence.

After the tastings and meanderings around the farms, a local shopkeeper arrived in a van and provided trays of nicoise sandwiches, sliced vegetables, sardine aiolis, cracker-crisp bread sticks and deliciously salty tapenades.  Mediterranean breezes ruffled white linens and local children and puppies beguiled guests.  It was a day for appreciating the good things in life.  With reluctance, we said our farewells and drove to the hustle and bustle of the naval port of Toulons, where National Geographic Orion had repositioned to greet us before we headed for our reluctant farewells in Monaco.