July 29, 2011
Our cruise on the Yonne River and Canal du Nivernais began today as we were introduced to our Penachette, a boat specially designed for the French canals. She is 9.5 M long, draws mere inches and, while basic, has more than enough comforts for the week-long cruise. Oh yes, her name.....are you sitting down?.....Larrey! I am convinced that's just the French spelling of Lari, as you know they always have lots of extra letters in their words that they don't bother using!
I'll write more on the journey and the wonderful villages, towns and sights along the river and canal in a couple of days when we return to England. For now, here are some photos.
The peaceful, unhurried journey was filled with postcard images like this one.
Breakfast aboard on our first full day. Last night we pounded metal stakes in the ground along the river and tied up to the bank. The night was moonless so the stars were incredibly brilliant out here in the French countryside. The only sounds - oh wait, there weren't any sounds!!! It's unbelievably quiet after all the birds and animals go to sleep.
Known for its tender beef, the distinctive white Charolais cattle graze all along the canal. Once in awhile they would lift their head and stare at us, as if to say, "You'd better not order the Boeuf Bourgogne."
Chateaux, quaint villages and centuries-old towns share the river and canal banks with miles of verdant pasture, thriving fields and thick forests.My next blogs will take you to the ancient town of Auxerre, the Caves of Bailley, and explore the canal itself complete with its lock keepers of every description and personality. One wonderful quirk on the French canals - they close from 12-1 pm every day for lunch. No one should be in a hurry here, and the French understand the meaning of work to live, not live to work!
Au revoir for now,
Lari
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