Trip 10kms. Departure 9.30 Locks. 0
An easy breakfast of tea and toast as we could not source bread left us setting off pretty early by our standards. We were soon at a deserted halt Niderviller. Deserted but for a weird floating shed.
We soaked up some rays Although Collette took to the four play chair after I had rigged the shade for her. Later, We decided to get the bikes out and ride into Sarrebourg some 6 Kms north. Whilst we prepared bikes and the boat, Rose adopted some Webby like poses in an effort to tan those tricky to get to bits.
the ride to Sarrebourg was a bit tougher than expected with a very long climb into the town centre, but we made it ok. We went to the gare, a good decision as we were able to get timetables for tony and roses return to nancy.
It was market day in Sarrebourg. The whole bloody town had been festooned in stalls which rather took the edge off of it so far as any aesthetic beauty could be assessed and the tourist lure of seeing the famously largest stain glass window in Europe was tainted by having to pay to enter the towns museums in order to glimpse inside the chapel which houses said window. We deferred with time agin us.
The market was usual garbage. We were tempted by a chorizo maker but 20€ and some last minute common sense saved us. Rose bought pants and then I was told to clear off while they shopped for birthday bits for me. I strolled up the road and came upon a nice stall. I purchased a bottle of cremant be Burgoyne for just 6€60 and when Collette appeared seeking me out, sent her back for the troops. They quickly arrived and we spent a marvellous hour.
Franc and jerome who help make the stuff were great hosts and franc was a ringer for matt seeney. Franc seemed to be pondering......Have they had enough?
Or perhaps thinking "are they?"
But then he gave us a gratis glass each of the single grape stuff and I promised to travel to the winery for purchases when I get to Dijon. A promise I am determined to keep, it was lovely wine and the lads were good guys too.
We needed vittals so after drinks at a bar opposite the gare in sweltering heat, we left on a short cut I had spied. We did find a lidles but it was on the wrong road out so loaded with supplies we cycled and cycled towards Hesse which we had passed some 5 Kms before reaching Niderviller.
We asked directions from an old boy out cycling, had a long chat practicing our French and covering everything from Alsace Lorraine to French politics and European trading laws. He was lovely but must crack on. The ride through the countryside was an absolute delight and we did eventually come into Niderviller. We looked for a bar and enquired as the town centre cafe was closed. Told that it was 2 Kms out of town we returned to Doucette to prepare a magnificent feast.
We had a cranberry and apple topped Brie fondue with smoked sausage, mushrooms, red pepper, avocado crusty bread and 2 slabs of steak which were ridiculously big but bloody lovely sarge!
Absolutely stuffed we had a drink and decided It had been yet another fabulous day.
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