Juniperadventures

Thousands of cyclamen! cyclamen  The Celtic band.

 We left Bailly and went just down the canal to Pregilbert.  When we went through the last lock the Lock master told us about a Fete happening at Sery.  We decided to stay in Pregilbert longer so that we could go to the Fete.   Went biking riding to the town and then to the Abbey de Crisenon, built in the 11th century.  It was first a monestary, then a large convent during the crusades. As a convent they established a fishery.  Destroyed during the French Revolution, some of the Abbey survives, and it is now an active fish hatchery.  One can fish for trout, and the kids were having a great time.  Reminded us of 30 years ago and such a fish pond.   Then we biked to Ste-Pallye another small village here.  An amazing sight there was a chateau whose grounds were covered with literally thousands of blooming pink and white cyclamens!!  More than you can imagine.  I will do another post from the cell phone where we took pictures. And then the Fete!  Bicylcled to it and stayed until getting da

 Still in Bailly and bicycled to Irancy, a beautiful hill town that produces Burgundy wines. Did fine on the bikes and were able to see more scenery.   Stopped at one of the homes, all of which have cellars from three centuries ago.  Nice fellow spoke English.  They have 14 hectares (about 35 acres) of grapes, and contribute to the Bailly Lapierre collective.  They make a pinot noir rose and several kinds of Burgundy wines. Had a lovely tasting and left with wines for Juniper.  Luckily it was all downhill going back with that! Only one restaurant here which we couldn't get a reservation.  Maybe on the way back up the Nivernais in October. Met some New Zealanders on a wine tour who have their boat in Auxerre.  Unfortunately it is waiting for repairs, although they did have 6-7 weeks already on her.  It's a boat!

 Heading out on Juniper and dusting off our skills from 2019.  We did fine, and Juniper is running well.  Heading up the Nivernais canal, the only one open now, but we are pleased as it is everyone's top one or two.   Arrived in Bailly.  A place to tie up, but no power or water.  With our solar panel we will be just fine.  Walked up a bit to the caves for Bailly Lapierre.  The caves were created when they quarried the rock for all of the famous places in Paris.  The Notre Dame, the Arche du Triumphe, and many other cathedrals.  The floated the rock down the river Yonne to the Seine. Then the caves became a mushroom growing venture.  In 1972 (50 years!) they formed a cooperative and began to produce Cremante de Bourgogne.  It became an AOC (formally recognized) and it produces several types of sparkling wines.  The tour was fun into the caves (an English audio guide) where they store 6 million bottles aging! Tasting and buyi   Bailly Lapierre In the caves looking at wine stored View

 Renting a car and off on more kinds of adventures. We rented a car in Auxerre, a bit of an adventure in driving as I haven't driven a manual transmission much in the last decades.  Learned to drive one originally.  Got into it after a few miles.   Drove to an interesting site called Geudelon.  They are building a castle using only the tools and techniques from the 13th century.  Fascinating, and changes the way you look at buildings that are standing from that time period.  They fashion the tools, chip away at the rock, make the tiles, everything.   They let you climb all around on it and watch them at work.  Also, various sites with other tasks of the times: baskets, dyeing fabrics, carpentry, wagons, etc.  It was a bit like Williamsburg that we went to in March in that they show you how life was at that time. After that we went to Chablis.  Lovely town and nice to walk around in.  Bought a couple of bottles of wine, and got a reservation at a good restaurant.  It was a delightfu

 Juniper!  She is a previous hire boat that has been privately owned for quite some time.  She is 38 feet long, has two staterooms and two heads, a decent sized kitchen with refrigerator and stove.  Nice seating are in the main cabin, where you can also steer from in bad weather (view from inside).  Fans and air conditioner for hot days. She also has an upper deck where most of the steering is done, and a table and chairs up there for eating with a great view! Well equipped to go on the canals, at a reasonably easy pace of 5 knots.  She has been over a lot of canals; we were on several in 2019.  This year it will be the Nivernais; beginning and ending in Auxerre.   So glad we were able to buy a 1/3 share to join our partners in 2019 and get our licenses.  This is a great way to travel and see the out of the way places in France.  

 Landed in Paris and had two days of walking to see the sights.  Paris is a beautiful city.  Enjoyed the Arsenal and seeing all the canal boats tied up right in Paris. After walking, then eating in nice restaurants, then walking, then eating.  It was delightful. Many good meals and great conversation with Juniper partners Tom and Mary. Then, packed up and took the train to Auxerre on the Yonne river, entrance to the Nivernais canal. Short walk to Juniper and she is our home base for the next two months! Auxerre views from Juniper.  Lovely old Churches and a Cathedral to explore, and more good restaurants, an outdoor market, bridges, and an excellent bakery.  We are staying a few more days to explore the countryside by car, then off on Juniper.

 We are packing and doing all sorts of chores at home prior to our departure on Friday. Looking forward to Paris for two days, and then to Auxerre where we will meet up with Juniper and choose our route depending on availability.   France is having it's 4th heat wave and no rain, so the canals are low and may close early.   We will keep you posted!