Monday, April 15, 2013

Grignan

Attractively situated on a rocky hill, this charming little village owns its fame to the aristocratic Madame de Sevigne who wrote many of her celebrated letters while staying at the Chateau de Grignan, while visiting her daughter in this castle. It was built during the 15-th and16th centuries,and is one of the finest Renaissance structures in this part of France.
We enjoyed beautiful views and all did some great shopping in the small local stores.

Afterwards,we visited a local truffle farm. Harvesting of the black truffle takes place from mid November to mid March. Because black truffles grow a few inches underground, they're impervious to frost. That also makes them hard to detect! For this reason,truffle hunters use either dogs or pigs to find the elusive spores. Dogs have taken the place of pigs, as they have a habit of eating the truffle once they unearth it.

We had fun watching the cute dog Amy find the little treasures. Truffles in this area sell for 1,000 euro a kilo,so Amy was rewarded with cookies... We enjoyed a glass of wine and some snacks with different truffle products. The store did lots of business afterwards!

We took the bus back to the ship and are now Sailing to Tournon. Max high today is 22 degrees and the sunsets at 8:43 pm. We are so blessed..

We have named beaver 'Vino' and I am sure you can guess why!!!

She was having fun shoe shopping with the ladies and was quite hungry and ready for lunch and a glass of vin blanc.. She just fits right in with the group!














































Ghost walk in Viviers

In late Roman times, Viviers was the capital of the pays Vivarais and today it is still the seat of the bishop of Ardeche, with the diocese including the whole Department for Ardeche.
It is an amazing little walled town with a famous cathedral. During our evening's ghost walk, a guide in medieval costume led us through the town. She had funny stories to tell and we had a few surprises along our walking route! The town was very quiet and magical by the yellow light of the lanterns. It was a tour not to be missed!



























Sunday, April 14, 2013

In the lock

The lock is 40 feet wide and the ship is 38 feet. We have a capable and very handsome (newlywed) captain! The first mate is not bad either!



















Enjoying the sunshine on the upper deck

Life is good. Life is very good!!!