Cruising Burgundy France 2016: Sur le Bateau Magnifique

We finally got on our boat at Decize. Of course there had to be some issues sorted out. And we had to buy some groceries and libations at the Carrefours a short walk away. But we finally got away about 3:00 with David the le boat mechanic who checked out both Bruce and Ray on the operation of the boat. Actually he spoke the best English! We dropped him at the first lock about 5 minutes away and we're off!!!

David the le Boat representative

Exiting an ecluse - lock

Les Capitaines - Ray et Bruce

Fleury-sur-Loire - Gerry

We stopped at a peaceful pastoral moorage with power at €9 a night. Water was extra. There was a lovely covered outdoor restaurant right on the canal which opened at 6:30 pm for dinner. We had happy hour on a table in their restaurant in the shade until they arrived and unceremoniously chased us away! It had been so hot on the boat we had to find some shade. She said - in her language- that us boaters should be using the picnic table on the shore - which was in the sun!!

Of course we did not eat at her restaurant. None of the boaters did after they saw the reception we received!

Ray is looking for another biere.

Fleury-sur-Loire - Carolyn

Early Sunday morning Ray scouted out the tiny village of Fleury-sur-Loire. He reported to the motley crew that there was a pattiserie doing a brisk business at 6:30. He and Barry, keeper of the purse were promptly dispatched to buy baguettes and croissants. The captain and crew of Magnifique had a wonderful breakfast and then Gerry and I went walk-about to see the patisserie first hand. Of couse we had to fill ourbag with sweet treats while the locals had already practically emptied the shelves. Certainly wish we had such a place at home.

We found the old church locked up, but Gerry was able to practice her French with a large white bull who decided he should protect his harem from her. He got to his feet to show her that he was a very bullish bull, which persuaded us to return to le boat. A lovely trip through verdant farms.

Note: Boulangeries et Patisseries usually open at 0630 and are cleaned out by 0730 by the locals.

We had a wonderful tasty dinner made by 2 chefs: spaghetti and meatballs de Raymond avec salads de Carolyn (and 2 sous chefs - Barry et Gerry)