Barge Trip - Page 5

The barge trip from start to finish goes about 43 miles and goes through about 56 locks. The distance between locks varies from less than 1 kilometer - a little over 1/2 mile.- to a couple of kilometers or a little less than 2 miles. It takes at least 5 - 10 minutes to go through a lock. What this means is that it is very easy to bicycle from one lock to the next and get there well ahead of the barge. In fact, Granny and I walked one of the shorter stretches - a little less than a kilometer - and even at our snail's pace we beat the barge. (Not by much but we still got there first!)

The canal meanders slowly around bends through what appears to be farmlands on both sides. Not much on the path until you get to one of the lock stations.

The plan for the day is to cruise to our next stopping place and in the afternoon drive to the village of Gevrey-Chambertin for a private tour of a vintner. Before the excursion, we need sustenance so it's time for lunch. I must have goofed on my picture taking as I don't seem to have a picture of the cheeses. However, I do know what they were. In addition to our quiche of the day, we had another hot dish and three salads. The cheeses for lunch were Comte Fruite, Langres and Munster. The wines with the meal were Rully 1er Cru 2011 and Beaune 1er Cru 2007.

Granny and I decided not to take the afternoon excursion. We were afraid the steps might be too difficult for us so we opted to stay on the barge and relax. I decided to try bicycling. It turned out to be MUCH easier than walking. All I had to do was get the bike started and then a couple of pedals, coast, a couple more pedals, coast and got to the next lock long before the barge. In fact, once I went two locks and then decided I had exercised enough and lounged around waiting for the Nenuphar

Before our dinner tonight, we were treated to some songs sung by an chanteuse accompanied by an accordian. It was enjoyed by all.

Then it was dinner time. Once again I missed. I don't know how but I didn't get a picture of our appetizer - Homard Thermidor. Take my word for it, it was DELICIOUS!