Chatillon-sur-Loire
Posted by contentedsouls on 13/06/2016
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
contentedsouls 
Hilary Berridge said
Hi
Remember us?
Just looked up your blog, as wondered if you had swapped Matilda for a bigger home on the water. See you have, sort of, but couldn`t find a picture of your new baby.
The report of Graham and Muttley at 2am, made us laugh.
Sounds as though you are still enjoying it.
We have moved up into the Netherlands, not sure yet if we like it. We have a winter mooring back in Belgium, Leopoldsburg, but we miss France, so keep a look out. Mind you glad we aren`t there this year, with all the problems.
Bert is still with us and is almost the perfect boat dog, if he wouldn`t bark at every passing dog. We remember the time in Cambrai with fondness, my wasn`t it hot!
Would be nice to hear from you.
Bon cruising
Hilary, John and Bert x
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contentedsouls said
We most certainly do remember you; wonderful to here from you again. We are still having a ball and are slowly knocking our new fat baby into a shape where she can cruise ‘off grid’ in the winter – once that’s done we’ll start changing the inside to our taste. Lots of ‘full’ photos in the next two blogs.
I’ll be interested to hear what you have to say on the Netherlands – never really fancied it but some of the pictures of the little towns look lovely – you’re definitely best off out of France this year!!!!!
Glad Bert is keeping up his guard dog duties.
So lovely to hear from you xxx
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Amanda said
How about adding a chicken to the menagerie?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36475672?SThisFB
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contentedsouls said
I’ve suggested it often, but himself is not too keen – the link is so funny, I tried to copy it to a group of sailing friends but it will only let me post to my own timeline.
We seem to be expanding as it is though; frogs, lizards, giant hornets ….
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andywindy said
Chatillon looks lovely, though I’m not too sure about that external staircase in photo 4 (P1160067)! In sure as heck don’t want to be the one to try and proove it’s safe!
I See Her Majesty is enjoying Her Royal Barge then, and I don’t mean Aunty Betty!
I think it’s good that you’ve got Daisy outside while moving, maybe Graham (or You) can have some peace at the Wheel now then?
Oh and Julie has Always lived in Hampshire, as I said, long story…
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contentedsouls said
It’s certainly a lovely spot – we shall return with our guests at the end of the month – Daisy won’t be allowed out whilst we cruise tomorrow as there are too many locks where she could jump ship without us noticing.
I know it’s downright nosy, but I’m totally intrigued by yours and Julie’s living arrangements; it’s always nice to have a bit of space sometimes though
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andywindy said
Give me a fewminutes or so and I’ll Email you x
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Kevin TOO said
Have you thought about a personal flotation device for Daisey?
There’s only one thing worse than a wet dog and that’s a damp cat!
Hope it dries up soon so that you can continue on your travels.
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contentedsouls said
I discussed the subject of a personal flotation device with Daisy – her response was that it was the worst idea I’d ever had, next to inviting Herbie to stay.
There seems to be no end to this rain – you watch, somewhere around August we’ll be moaning that the canals are all closed due to insufficient water!
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contentedsouls said
PS Are you going onto Facebook, or was the friend request a moment of madness?
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Kevin TOO said
The answers are as follows…
1-Yes, but…
2-No
Give me a few weeks, I’ll cure some vellum, sharpen a quil and drop you a note…😉
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