Entering Canal de Nivernais - 6 Sept 2016 -Simone

We journeyed from Nevers to Décize yesterday, replenished the larder, spent the night and entered the Canal de Nivernais this morning.   Even though we are in Burgundy, after some inquiries with a local, we find out that this region has NO CAVES.  We are going to have to make do with wines from the local grocery store.  The nerve of them, to deprive us of the joy of going to the cave and pumping our red, white or rosé wine into our own 5 litre plastic jugs.  In spite of this we are having a wonderful start to our journey.  Yesterday it rained on and off all day, but today, in our honour, the sun came out and it is warm, not too hot, and very comfortable.  

We are enjoying the local produce and the marvellous assortment of local cheeses.  And let's not forget the accompanying baguette.  
The scenery is pastoral, very peaceful and pleasant.    There are many happy cows in the pastures which provides organic meat to the population.

We go through several locks every day and distribute chocolate and Canadian pins to the lock keepers.  Some lock keepers travel from one lock to the other so we see the same ones.  Sometimes they phone ahead and warn the next lock keeper of our coming.  In this area there are no automated locks.  I guess it gives some people a job as unemployment in France is very high.
So far we are thoroughly enjoying our journey.  There is lots to see and the locals are very friendly.