Now we are home in dry and brown (officially Golden) California after a very pleasant and relaxed August in France. Armida is out of the water in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and prepped for a long stay.
August started with the warmth of July continuing as we came out onto the Saone, and plopped down in Auxonne where we could sit under trees in the warm afternoon. I revarnished the wood rails and Terry organized herself as a Seller at the local Vide Grenier in an attempt to lighten the boat.
Our fears of a hot August were unfounded as the French weather continued to be abnormal with lovely mild days for the rest of the month.
For our last cruise of the season we decided to head up the dead straight stretch of the Canal de Bourgogne to Dijon for a few days. Expecting a boring trip we were reminded of why we love this life with a couple of lovely villages, a verdant garden complete with Giant Sequoia and a tranquil rural stop, not to mention a very nice lunch.
We have been to Dijon a few times before and you may remember it was torn up while they installed a new Tram system. That chaos has now moved on to Besancon and Dijon looks fantastic – clean, bright and both modern and ancient. The Tram stops 100m from the boat and whisks you into the city center where the museums, galleries and buildings are fabulous.
It was back down the canal for two days to Saint Jean de Losne and the festivities. By the time we got there the Quay was full so we rafted next to Peter and Margaret’s big barge Matilda on Friday, which also had music. French Celtic which was really great fun. Our friend Glen (of Glen and Trish) was celebrating his birthday on the Quay. The town was celebrating with a fair, band and fireworks. Saturday was the celebrations and a good time was had by all.
After that highlight it was back into the yard to clean, pack, tidy, winterize haul out and go. As we got closer to the end of the season we both realized that we are not finished with this life yet – we enjoy it too much and we have the boat just the way we want it now (OK an oven and washing machine would be nice). So she is still for sale but unless someone makes us an offer we can’t refuse we will be back, maybe not next year but soon after.
So Armida’s travels may continue – we will let you know.
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