We pulled into the port of Melay, about half way up the Canal Roanne a Digoin, and were joined a few hours later by our good friends Andrew and Laurel on Affleur D'O.
It was wonderful to finally be back on the canals after a long winter, and very rainy spring! We enjoyed the lush scenery, green rolling hills, curious Charolais, blue herons, and wonderful songbirds along the way.
After a quiet night in the countryside, we moved on to an area outside the entrance to the Canal du Centre, just before the lock at Digoin. We met up with our friends Brad and Nancy on Libellule, and while Brad and Randy did a little work on the boats and bikes, Nancy and I shoved off by car for a little shopping. The skies were gray as we left, and while we were gone, a violent thunderstorm flared up, complete with hail. I had just planted all of my flower boxes and herb boxes, and after years of living in Colorado, where you could be sure to have a hailstorm as soon as you planted your annuals, or as soon as the tomatoes set fruit, sure enough, this storm was a doozy, stripping the leaves off of the trees we were moored under. Randy, my hero, got all of my flowers and herbs under the rear canopy and they were saved. The boat was a mess, however, with shredded leaves and twigs everywhere.
Hail still coming down |
Dimitri, checking out the size of the hailstones |
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteDeborah,
What in your experience is the prettiest barge journey from Roanne? We have 11 days on a 32 meter barge and are looking for the best route to enjoy the river, the beauty and the small towns. Any suggestions as to route, rivers, towns to visit, restaurants, must sees,etc. Thank you.
Mark
Hi Mark, sorry I just saw this, I haven't been checking comments - are you still in the planning stage or have you already completed your trip?
DeleteHi Mark, sorry I just saw this, I haven't been checking comments - are you still in the planning stage or have you already completed your trip?
Delete