France 2001

Mont Saint Michel

St Michael waits for you at the top, in the abbey

The Benedictine Gothic-style abbey. The construction of the complex, part monastery, part fortress, started in the 11th Century and continued into the 16th Century.	Since no outsider used to be permitted here, the monks used this device to haul cargo from up from the ground. They would climb into the drum to operate the winch. The rope would have a basket or pallet attached to it.

Excellent workmanship and details

Once back on the botton, knee-deep in silt, shoes tied to the daypack, one gets a different perspective

From the top I saw this island in the distance, and found out that it was a bird preserve - had to go there

I had not been lied to, it even said so, on the sign, but I had expected more.

What I did not expect was this sight - a pink flamingo

Going out there was a lot of fun, but a long way from Mt St Michel, as you can see, and therein lie two dangers. As time passes, the tide will come back in. That can get quite dangerous. Also, wading back through the silt is time consuming, and I needed to catch the last bus back to Rennes.

Quick-waded back and around the walls, found a fire station to hose down my legs, and caught the bus just in time. Boarded, legs still wet, and kicked back for the lengthy ride to Rennes.

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