A Canon Report, by Gary

In Mauritius canons have a way of inserting themselves into the picture.  Rather like McDonalds in Australia, they are a ubiquitous (but on the whole probably less sinister) presence.

Indispensable items of coastal defense, lots surround the edge of the older, more authentic parts of the Port Louis waterfront... 

... as well as adding the correct historical ambiance to the newly redeveloped parts. 

Visit the old fort above the city and one might reasonably expect to find a canon or two... 

... or here at the Martello Tower in Black River ....

  

...but wandering through the bush???

  

They really make brilliant play equipment...

 ... are useful decorations for many an historic house... 

... and are good for striking that dramatic pose. 

They are of course vital furnishings for historic ship models. 

But adaptive reuse as fence posts really has to take the cake! Extending for several city blocks in Port Louis is a boulevard of two magnificent parallel islands of Royal Palms.  Starting at the waterfront the boulevard extends to the forecourt of the old Government House (seen here in the background)... 

 ....and the whole lot is fenced with chain, supported by literally hundreds of canons, buried, muzzle skywards and concrete filled.  Fantastic!!!

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