August and Avignon and about. 

 We have had a further 2 weeks in Avignon, with temps being slightly uncomfortable, up in the 30-36 degree mark, and we are very thankful if there is even a little breeze----- thats after last week when the winds were so high we had white caps on the river and our flag plastered to the back sun-shield.

        Needless to say we have had to keep hydrated. 

New drink on the boat is now Aperol Spritz.  Luckily I love plain bubbles so sharing a bottle works really well.

Decided to visit L'lsle-sur-la-Sorgue, a lovely town about 20 mins away by car. But unforunately we went on a big market day, so big you were shuffled betwen the stalls, along narrow streets, like being packed on the london tube trains and no chance to stop and look at the stalls- so we did what anybody would do ----- we left  😥😥😥😥.

 If only we had a garden.

We also visited Chateauneuf- du-Pape, for the Fete de la Veraison. This festival over 3 days, and  celebrates the local wines and the medieval history of the village. All the locals drsssing up - we loved it. Stalls, jugglers, birds of flight, processions and wine- lots of free wine!!!👍👍👍👍👍

So the procession starts with the drums and the scottish bag pipes ( still trying to work out the connection), followed by the 'Pope' and the town council ( of course) !!!

Then various odd and not all together nice looking other medieval characters ..

 

Stalls selling lots of articles of clothing and weapons- they are particularly fond of sling-shots...

NOW, It is said that whenever the Pope walked past the town square, the village fountain would start to spew fine local red wine--but whether a local legend or popular fantasy - there is no smoke without fire..

 

The barrel in the tree is a bit of a give-away😀😀😀

And just some locals hanging about........

Its getting a bit social here again in Avignon-- 3 other kiwi boats in at the moment so a couple of good nights with Aileen, Grahame and Sue-- oh why does 'pop over for a drink at 6 '   always lead to going home at 10pm or later, all very happy but realising you haven't eaten supper!!!  Still its not as if we have to work in the mornings....

 A little bit of cycling around over on the large island, Ile de la Barthelasse which is in the middle of the Rhone river, between old and new Avignon. Things are a work in progress on the green cucleways -- but a "road to no-where"??

This excerise is in the belief we have to compensate for excess food and alcohol intake--and to help the stepz counter. The island is full of acres of orchards with beautifully ripe apples and pears....

View back over the bridge.

We also had a wonderful visit from Peter and Lesley, (Skiing friends from NewCastle) who drove from their place in the Alps to visit us for the weekend.

Due to having Rosie, their beloved dog with them - they didn't stay on the boat but in a place 5 mins walk away - better safe than sorry with the pram after a long night.

Its been a busy few nights ( and Days) here. 

Our last night in Avignon and we have the locals onboard- Max, Grahame, Dave, Ann, Sue, Aileen and me!!!!

Finally setting off from Avignon before 8am, the mist on the river and the early sun on the Pont.

Saw no horses this time as we cruised along the Petite Rhone - only wild goats......

Now finally settled in Aigue-Morte on our mooring for the next 2 weeks-- showing the evening sun on the old city walls.

AND.... always a party boat---

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Thought of the day.....

And second thought of the day.....

Can't think why everything revolves around liquid refreshments......

till next time....