A feast for our eyes

Although it was only 8 kms, the contrast in scenery was immense and such a delight after two weeks in one place. The sun was out and the humidity levels, as you can imagine, high. It was late when we got there so our major exploration had to wait until the Thursday morning which left me with a lot to pack in. First off it was market day so we were able to extend our, somewhat limited, supply of veg purchased at Beaulieu and buy fish – yes FISH, joy! I can’t remember the last time we had fish that wasn’t out of a tin! Great market, friendly people and oh so pretty. I left G in a cafe bar to watch the world go by whilst I climbed the hill to the old town; well worth the climb and we definitely need to bring our friends here (could be the start of a plan). Just look at this:-

So then it was back to Francoise for a quick lunch as I wanted to bikle out to look at the old locks down onto the Loire in the afternoon and Muttley still needed walking before we left (skipper had his moving hat on having been stuck for so long).

A gorgeous lunch of gambas and samphire before heading off in the opposite direction.

You’ll note the horse turn around in the centre of the bridge – confusing to the eye at the moment as the towing path is under water and the embankment can’t be seen. There are moorings down there too with a barge on – no idea if it can still get out again.

With everyone having spent so much time on board due to the weather, neither of us had the heart to shut Daisy in as we travelled, so we tried leaving her to roam as we cruised (whilst I danced behind in nervous attendance) for the first time ever. As with all things – except Herbie – she took the short trip in her stride.

Very little in life phases this extraordinary little cat