We have had an amazing summer, SUCH good weather, Paris for 3 weeks, travelling with friends, friends visiting, and meeting up with old friends back at home base.
Now settling into St Jean de Losne, but first a quick trip back to Maasbracht in Holland to pick up the car. Caught up with Faye Stainton, visiting her son’s place in Epernay.
And a quick visit past Max’s uncles grave,(last visited in 2012) in a tiny village outside Riems, where he (pilot) and his crew are buried after his Lancaster bomber was shot down in 1943.
And side trip to visit Alan and Shelia.
Of course, finally after being chased by Rob and Sue Cooper (ChCh) all the way down the canal from Paris, we finally catch up. Drinks on their boat, and next night off to the bar, where Sue and I make a friend and have an awesome ride around town.
Bit of disaster on the marina next to us, an owner deciding to drill in the ‘petrol’ tank and caused a huge explosion, with multiple boats damaged from flying glass and the intense heat. Even though we were separated by a small island and 100m of water, our boat felt like it had been blasted from next door.
Luckily the man walked away with second degree burns to arms and face (as far as we know).
Then the big building project of our new modified winter tent. Decided that we didn’t want to keep taking down the windscreen glass each time we made a bigger frame and new insert of canvas…..
So all packed up, lived under the tent for 2 nights, and had a last lunch meal out that has to be then best value on France we have ever had…..5 courses and 250mls of wine for 13 euros… Ronnie, Trish, Tony and Kay, John and Michelle, and Dawn.
So its au revoir to all our old and new friends made though boating until next year.
And on the way back, the obligatory stop at Calais Wine Superstore before boarding the ferry.
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So back on UK soil at the beginning of October, to cooler weather, the promise of a cold winter and work!!!
BUT we are already looking and planning next years trip down the Rhone to Sete and the new joys of Southern France.
