Les Éclusiers - Carolyn

Every day brings surprises.  Each lockkeeper is different, as well.  Some are young itinerants who come speeding up on bicycles, or motorbikes.  Others have clearly seen it all and been at for a very long time.  For all of their differences, the have smiles of appreciation when I lean out with our appreciation tokens of maple candies and Canada pins.  

Every lock house differs; some are derelict and abandoned, while others are whimsically decorated, with lovely gardens.

We love seeing the passersby on bicycles.  Today an older couple on recumbant bikes, with two Jack Russell terriers racing alongside, amused us.  They have baskets for the dogs.  Some bikes have dog baskets, while others tow a dog trailer.  Today we saw one giving their Golden retriever a ride.  Everyone waves and calls out a greeting, including people fishing and having picnics.  Barry and I walked into the Centre Ville the other night for an espresso, which we enjoyed outside of a corner cafe--definitely not Starbucks.  The young people who were out and about were unfailingly courteous and friendly.  We can't think of any place at home where we could walk about in a strange neighbourhood at night and feel so at ease.  Life in the slow lane must be because our top speed on the bateau is 9 kmh, usually less.

This adventure has been such an eye opener.  We both wish we had begun exploring the canals decades ago.