ON OUR WAY TO PARIS...

This is typical of what we see in the small villages.

We never know what we will encounter next.  We certainly didn't expect the army.

French Soldier on Patrol

Is France at war?

They are laying down a temporary bridge.

We tied up one night in Champagne sur Vingeanne and went for a walk.  We heard the most awful sounds coming from across the canal.  Little did we know there was a family that kept hounds!  Imagine our surprise as 40 or more hounds went streaking by on the towpath.  A young family were taking their dogs for an evening stroll.  We felt for the poor fisherman when the dogs ran up and surrounded him.  I think I would have had a heart attack on the spot.

Family walking their hounds.

The challenge we occasionally face in getting on and off the boat.

We took Rabelo to her new home in St Jean de Losne.  Her permanent mooring has 130 foot of waterfront with a large lawn to mow, a shed, and lots of plants to keep under control.  It’s a jungle out there.

Tom couldn't let Julian have all the fun so he helped mow the lawn.

Goose infestation next door.

One night while Tom and I were eating dinner in our dining room we looked up and saw a swan watching us thru our window.

St Jean de Losne from a distance (our home port)

Once we had cleaned up our new yard and relaxed a bit it was time to visit Paris.  Every time we return to Paris we find new things to see and places to eat.  We tried a great sandwich shop for a late lunch called Cosi, at 54, rue de Seine.  The focaccia is made fresh and the creative fillings are tasty though a little skimpy.  The apple crumble for dessert was delicious!  The next day was Sunday, which means most places are closed.  In spite of the rain we walked the whole day.  We checked out La Valette as a future mooring for Rabelo.  They will allow us to stay 7 nights!  That will be a great place to tie up when Rabelo returns to Paris.  We saw that a major storm was brewing.  We knew there would be thunder, lightning and torrential rain.  Just before the deluge we ducked into a crepe restaurant.  Huddled under an awning we watched nature’s show and enjoyed a wonderful crepe.  We must return to the creperie.  For dinner one night we ate at Verjus, where we had a fantastic 7 course dinner.  They have only one menu and unless there is something you can’t eat (then they will try to accommodate you), everyone in the restaurant receives the same meal.  We will be returning there.  It was a treat!  Another night we went to a chain restaurant that is known for their mussels.  That will warrant a return visit as well.

Our friends Tess and Bruce had spoiled us by bringing Fauchon chocolates from Paris.  Tom and I had to find Fauchon and treat ourselves to some more chocolate.  That is GOOD chocolate!

Always keep your eyes open and camera ready.

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