2005 Alsace
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In this cruising year we topped all previous travels:  2400 kilometers, 752 locks, and three countries!  And we were still back a month early to get the boat ready for next season.  We have divided the trip up into three sections in the order in which we travelled.  The first section, which was shared by Sis Shelley and husband Gord, Bill from high school daze, and long time friends Carol and Larry, took us from Roanne to Strasbourg via the Canal du Centre, Saone River, and the canals  l'Est Branch Sud and Marne au Rhin.

This was some of the most beautiful country we have ever cruised.  Among the simply lovely towns we visited were Epinal, Nancy, Lutzelbourg, Saverne and Strasbourg.  We had the excitement  of riding the Arzviller  inclined plane, and managed to navigate 5 tunnels without a scratch.  The people were lovely thoughout, both the other bargers and the folks we met on shore.  In one instance we pulled up at a very small village and in so doing had to dislodge all the kids fishing along the quai.  We asked a fellow if there was anywhere where we could buy a loaf of bread.  He replied "desole"; we were out of luck.  The next thing we knew he had gone to one of the campers nearby and "borrowed" half a baguette which he brought to us.  A half an hour later one of the kids came down to the boat with a frozen baguette for us.  Needless to say, we were touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of these strangers, though in France it should not come as a surprise.

We took L'Escapade as far as Saverne on the Marne au Rhin then took a train into Strasbourg.  This saved a couple of days of cruising with uncertain moorage at the other end.  The train was cheap and frequent and dropped us off near the old part of Strasbourg.  We would recommend this approach to the end of the canal unless you wanted to continue on the Rhine.  Saverne is a beautiful town with good mooring.  While we were there a circus  was in town and one of the lionesses was proudly showing off two of the most adorable newborn cubs.  We couldn't get close enough for a picture, not without some considerable risk, but the animals were clearly well fed, and in good health.
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We started with a couple of days in Artaix, a favourite picnic spot.  The bare trees show just how early in the season we set out.
Bill and Fran joined us with a group of ladies from the gym in Roanne.  With the other visiting boats we had quite the crowd for a barbecue The Canal du Centre, between Digoin and Chalon is one of the most beautiful canals.  We tend to overlook it because living in Roanne we take this canal every year, often when hurrying home.
We took a train ride up to Dijon to drop friend Bill at the station for Paris and his return to Canada. 
Chalon-sur-Saone is located at the junction of the Centre and Saone River.  As with many towns along the Saone, it dates back to Roman times and reflects a long history.  We found these relics in the downtown square.
With Carol and Larry visiting we had to don the L'Escapade shirts they sent us - very posh you know.
We usually get to stop at St. Leger on the Centre for restocking and relaxing. 
We passed under this interesting juxtaposition of bridges along our travels. 
No wonder we don't let guests be captain - this guy isn't even looking where he's going!
The inclined plane at Arzviller  is quite the operation, lifting several boats at once.
Lutzelbourg is a lovely little town nestled in the valley on the way to Strasbourg.
Is that Peta behind those Foster-Grants?  All the stars hang out in Place Stanislas - the next day is was Chirac.
For more photos of the Alsace part of our trip, follow this button.
The Place Stanislas in Nancy is a beautiful open area with cafes and restaurants on three sides.