Today we ride a short distance! We are in the valley of the Loing River and we make visits to popular summer travel destinations for
American artists in Paris in the 1860’s. Again, there are paintings EVERYWHERE I look!
Steve is ready for another day on the road....well, up into French towns, down streets, around round abouts, across highways, down more streets, this village and that...
Again we leave The Fleur, as Petra handles the mooring lines...away they go.
Fearless leader, Elaine....and her super bike in the sunshine hat! See how there is an opening on top for the helmet to stick through?
Chef Steffi heads for the local market. She will meet up with the barge at the next lock....we hope!
Here along the river you can spot little off loading docks for people to receive goods from river barges. So, no, not just a bath house!
This goofy group is headed for a coffee stop....but we don’t look like we need coffee! Yet!
We find the perfect cafe! Steve, Kerry, Penny and Phil ...bottoms up!
Emily, Elaine ane Dave....
More French blue shutters...another window with a story.
A visit to the town hall in this village, reveals a virtual museum of great paintings inside. The Mayor greets us and gives us a tour.
Here I discover the perfect dress! Hum. But...
....where to wear it? Or....HOW?
More dog reminders....do you know where your dog is today? We hope so.
This is a short ride day for some of us, so we actually arrive at the mooring spot before The Fleur!
I now have the hang of using a GPS program that was sent to each of us to download before we arrived. That part was easy....it was learning the quirks of how to get it going that was interesting. Really fun though when your pocket talks to you and says, “Left turn coming up, 1 km ahead....” and all the rest of it.
We consume our picnic lunches, and then....better get out and walk to town. But first, a little rest by the river!
Elaine and Dave set a good example.
Here we go...off to town, because...yes, we hear this is great ice cream here!!!
Oh that smile on Emily’s face...and it’s all about....THE CREPE!
This is our waitress, Agnes. She speaks English...so no confusing what the order is....delicious! The French celebrate everything...even Ice Cream!
Nan and Dave toast to.....France!
Then it’s back to the barge and jump in for a swim. Yes, “refreshing” temperature means we don’t stay in long!
The swimmers....all from the Pacific Northwest!
But wait....more time for ukulele....on the back deck...with a glass of wine....because...why not!?
And time for another excellent dinner provided aboard The Fleur.
I guess my focus is salad and dessert...and wine and bread. Hum. No surprise there.
We end the evening with a walk into town and gaze up at the cathedral....flooded with lights, backdrop: the night sky. Sigh.
Looks wonderful!
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