Monday 10th August

A Dutch Volkswagen camper van joined us yesterday, they went to the Irish Pub in town in the evening, we went to climb the 85 steps from the Loire that used to be the pilgrims way into the city. When we reached the town the sky went black, lightning flashed and it poured with rain. The Casino Supermarket provided a huge shelter with its canopy, when the rain eased we dashed from shop doorway to canopy to face the final leg, the river bridge.
A German family from the camp site, all dressed just as sensibly as us for the conditions, sleeveless tee shirts and shorts, dashed past one of our doorway refuges and under a canopy. We joined them sheltering at the bridge and when again the rain eased we all dodged the spots and puddles for the dash over the Loire. We didn't get very wet, nature and the local shops were very kind to us. Later it rained heavily for most of the night,
This morning the Dutch couple told us they were caught out just the same, finding the heavy rain just the right excuse for having another beer to see if it eased.
'We may have troubles when we want to leave' he said. His starter motor sometimes failed to turn, sure enough a push start was needed. Two English and one Dutch pusher were not sufficient for the uphill slope, soon we were joined by one older and another young French driver and the job was done.

We left to follow the Loire northwards, at Sancere the scene was so different from the last time we passed by in 2007 then it was a cold wet late June. We had lunch by the river, the number of bathers fisher folk and canoeists built up as time went by and Sue just had to join them for a swim in the Loire. I 'swam' up to my shins, get those feet cool and it travels all over via the pumping system.

Suitably cooled down we headed off to visit an organic (bio) vegetable grower in the Yonne region. He spoke some English and when I explained that I also grew organic vegetables he chatted with enthusiasm.
We purchased yellow Haricot Vert, Aubergine, Courgette and Cucumber. 'Have you tried Yellow Straight Courgette' he asked, producing a large specimen which resembled a cave mans club. 'No I wasn't sure what that was, we will buy one'. 'No I will give you it to try'. 'In which case keep the change from the stuff we have purchased' said Sue.

An English couple we met who have settled in France near Limouge said, "you will never get one over a French man. Give him 4 eggs and later he will give you 8 back".

Our vegetable grower dived into his box of mixed Cucumbers pulling out some white egg shaped ones, 'have you tried these'? 'I have seen pictures of them'. 'These Chinese Cucumbers'. 'No'. 'Try then and my odd varieties of Tomato I have outside, Purple, Golden, Pink and this one called Couer de Vache (Cows Heart) because of its shape',
Our bag began to groan under the weight of the freebies.

Wednesday 11th August

I set a destination in the SatNav only 50 mins away in Loiret. Coming across an Atac Supermarche we stopped for milk etc. in just a few Kilometers more we park right next to the Canal du Briare, we will stay at least for lunch, could be longer. We have come about 10Km as the crow flies to a most interesting place Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses. That is Seven Locks, quite a steep flight built in the 1600's to link two rivers the Loire and the Seine. This picture doesn't portray the steepness.

Not used now, the modern wide Canal de Briare with electrically operated gates and sluices has replaced it and has a viaduct over the Loire, built be Mssr Eifell.

This notice board will blow up if you right click - select view image so that you can read the details about the 7 Locks.

We went for a walk and had yet another long chat, with a guy who is doing maintenance work on a Hotel Boat, 'Meanderer' (sounds like us).

Hire it for 2500 Euro [EDIT on checking the website today I find there was a problem with the conversion of French numerical expression to English, that should read 22,500 Euro Ooops] for a week for 6 people cruising up to Paris or wherever, full board with chef and maid, stopping off to visit points of interest, Châteaux etc. a nice silver mini bus transports you there, all inclusive. Velo's provided if you want to bike, even wheel chairs. Is this sounding like an advert? Why not Tel.06 20 23 58 91.
The maintenance guy lives on a large boat near Paris, a few years ago we met an American couple on a large Barge like these, did he know of a boat named "1'eme"? 'Yes I have seen that boat on the Canals south of here', he proceeded to specify the length and beam, he had seen her all right, they are based toward the south too.

Several boats are or sale, we decided on this 1925 model 2 double bedrooms with en suite, Sue will want a nice conservatory type lounge in the huge wheelhouse to replace the deck chairs.

I spent the afternoon spinning for Zander, the Campingcarste next to us had caught and eaten one, would you believe at Atac I purchased some 2 part lures suitable for 'Sander', once again we would have gone hungry if we were relying on my catch. Then again the neighbour was live baiting and caught nowt either.

Another picture in the 'out of the van door in the morning series'.