Juniperadventures

 We left Port de Savoyeux with Juniper running well!! Wild tied at Rupt sur Saine for lunch and to explore. Walking into town we met a friendly man, Gerard. We had a great conversation and he gave us good advice about the town.  As well as a Lily of the Valley flower which is also given out on May 1st on Labor Day.  He retired from the VNF after 26 years. Approaching town, Chateau on left. Bill and Gerard The town has many interesting buildings, wash houses, a Church and a Chateau on the hill. The Tower at the Chateau was built in the 13th century and used as a dungeon. Wash house and Lion fountain We climbed up the hill and had great views from the Church. The Chateau was visible, but not open to visitors. Stairway down. Met up with Gerard again by the river and Juniper, as well as a friend of his, Terisse, who had been bike riding. More conversation ensued and it was lively!  Bridge near Juniper Back on Juniper and headed to Scey sur Saone. Weather coming!

 In our walk at Port de Savoyeux,  we found our favorite artifact, a Roman Road!! Always very straight roads. The Romans were all over this area and on the Saone.

 Before the overheating, we stopped at Ray sur Saone for lunch and a lovely walk. Beautiful town with a chateau overlooking from atop a hill.  Built in the 12th century, it was a fortress and the home of the Ray family.  Kept in the family until 2015 when it became a historic landmark.   Beautiful Church in town as well dating from the 12/13th century.  The carved friese is from 13th century.  We walked up the hill and had lunch overlooking the valley and Saone river below. There was also a wash house in town. Well preserved.

 On the night of the wild tie at the Nature Bollard, whenever the water pump would come on normally all the lights would go out. So onward to Port de Savoyeux and to check out the batteries.  They turned out to be physically deformed and not functional. Luckily they had three batteries for us. We got fuel and water and stayed there. Nice marina.  The next day we headed towards Soing and most of the way there Juniper overheated again. We stopped 4 times before it began to get dark, and we tied to two trees for the night.  Luckily it was a good spot with easy off and on the boat. And big trees! In the morning we made our way to Soing slowly and got a spot on the dock. We thought we had a spare impeller but it was the wrong one. Called Port de Savoyeux (holiday May 14) and they told us to call in the morning. Soing was a nice town. It is known for its "Eiffel Tower" seen below.  Next day called at 9am and mechanic was there by 11am! Back to Savoyeux to pay and get ...

 Before we went to Dijon, we needed transportation and a safe place to leave Juniper for two days. After we got to Gray we realized it was not a marina after all. We tied to rings by the road and there was power.  But after two different sources told us it was not safe to leave her, and after looking into transportation from the next port, we decided to head back to Auxonne.  Left Juniper with our best Capitainerre,  John and then took a late train to Dijon. After our lovely time in Dijon we headed back up again to Pontailler and then to Gray for lunch and groceries. Lovely Church there. Than, onwards. We ended up tied to a very nice Nature Bollard. Luckily there was a spot for us. Beautiful there and we were greeted by a herd of young cows.

 Pictures of the meal. Such beautiful presentation.  And delicious!