Juniperadventures

Street behind us lined with tall, steeped roofed buildings.  Our day in Auxonne. Some sun, some rain. We left St Jean de Losne after repairs and at Auxonne. Wandered around and saw the Armitage, the walls built by Vauban, and the artillery school attended by Napolian Bonaparte.  Next day we wandered through town and spent time at the Cathedral.  Shopped at Boulangerie, Boucherie and Marche de Poisson and the Large grocery, Intermarche. Interesting architecture here with steep roofs and tall buildings. Some of the wooden buildings from the 14th/15th century.  Some very old brick and cobbles,  some stone and carvings.  Back the boat for Cinco De Mayo fajitas!!  Tomorrow we travel. 

The white boat is Juniper! On the dock at Blanquarts Marina in St Jean de Losne. Train from Paris to Dijon 4/30/26 went well. Hectic getting off as the stop is brief! Then train to St Jean de Losne, our homeport. The marina staff picked us up which was great. We got right on Juniper! She looked good as they power washed for us. Settling in and moved Juniper to the dock.  Then to the store for supplies as May 1st is a holiday. Next day walked around to explore and had dinner at Le Cotiniere along the Saone. Lovely meal on a warm evening.

 On to a last adventure on Juniper!  Left Seattle with Christina on her birthday! Arrived Paris and got some.walking in. Great Lebanese restaurant by our hotel, same as last year.  Next day is Paris! Got our next day train tickets and then headed to Grand Palais for Matisse exhibit. Lunch first at Le Victory. Great prix fixe meal. Matisse was so extensive. Wonderful presentation.  Then a walk down the Champs des Elysese.  Metro to look at Notre Dame. And then birthday dinner at Au Bougnat, our favorite restaurant. Tried to go to Eiffel Tower, but it turns out we were in wrong station and just wandered lost and then went to hotel! A wonderful day nonetheless. Bill, Christina and Karen at the Arc de Triumphe! Warm, sunny day in Paris.

 In Chalon there is a street filled with good restaurants.  We picked one of them La Canailles and went for a lovely lunch. After a few days there, we went on the train to Dijon. Ann has an early train so we stayed in Dijon. Went to the Museum of Cultural History, Musee de la Vie Bourguigogne. Wonderful exhibit of clothing and all sorts of history of the area.  Went to La Fine Heure restaurant for a  delightful last meal with Ann.  Memorable. We had been there in 2022 with Nicole and Andrew. Left early for the train and saw Ann off. Sorry to see her go. Heard she made it to CDG!! And got home OK. We spent the day in Dijon; going to the Market, wandering streets, early dinner and off to the train to Chalon.  Next day discovered we were mired in river debris!! Took three men 2 hours to clear it including a power boat creating a wake. Chores day luckily so we can leave tomorrow. 

 Took Juniper from Dole down the Rhine au Rhine to the Saone River and past Saint Jean des Losne to Seurre. Swans and cows!!! Went through our first BIG LOCK. Got there early evening and walked through the town. Beautiful waterfront park. Good dinner by chef Ann! Relaxing morning and then went from Seure to Chalon sur Saone and the second big lock. We seem small in these large locks meant to hold the barges we have been seeing in the river hauling commerce. Chalon is a lively place with lots of restaurants nearby and stores for anything we might need. Settled on going out to a nice lunch and it was very good!!! Good meals on board with Ann cooking and the market foods.  Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Got chores done and enjoyed the city!

 We went up to Dole in thr afternoon. There are five locks . Tied up to Harbor with views  of the Cathedral. There is a park nearby and the famous cat.  Old wood houses seen in Auxerre, Dole and other locations. We enjoyed the town and walking the streets. Had a glass of wine at the bar by the inside canal. Flowers everywhere.  The next day was National Heritage day and we were able to tour the Old Hospital,  and Abbey that is now a college, the Hotel Dieu and the Musee de Beaux Artes.  We ejoyed interacting with the young people studying to be in the tourist industry. They practiced their English with us. Toured the Cathedral. We went to the Market, Ann cooked us up some delicious dinner on the deck.  Went to our favorite restaurant, Le Gustavin and had a lovely lunch. Juniper!!!