Juniperadventures

 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!!!

 After Briare we traveled to Saint Jean des Losne and Juniper. We met up with Michael and Joan at the boat. Visited and found out about how things are going.  Met them later for a lovely dinner. On Sept 14th we took Michael and Joan to the train and off to Paris and then home. We moved in and got provisions. On Sept 15th we found out that Ann Beck's flight was canceled, arriving the 16th instead. We went to Auxerre to spend the night as planned. Enjoyed the place again. Next day to Charles de Gaulle to meet Ann. Then we went back to Auxerre for dinner. Drove back to Juniper. One more trip to Dijon on the 17th to return the car. Dijon is a favorite place and we had a good time. Back to Juniper after dark. Now we can get on the canals!

 We arrived in Paris on September 12th and picked up a rental car, having never gotten one at the airport before. We managed to navigate in rush hour traffic. Other drivers were good to us! Went to Briare where we had been in 2019 to take our license tests with Tom Forbes. We enjoyed seeing it again.  The bridge there is a canal bridge over the Loire. Designed by Eiffel. Took a walk over it and then drove to Saint Jean des Losne to Juniper!