Monday 13th August The skippers 53rd birthday spent at Auxonne

Awoke to a double whammy. 53 today and Carla and dan off already. Collette frantic as she said she had not got me a proper present but the two l,oriel moisturisers were more than enough for this complete nonce.

I put off opening all the cards and stuff til the guys had gone. We breakfasted and suddenly it was time to go. We strolled over to the station and hugs, kisses, manly shakes and hugs and bang they were gone. I got very emotional. Think I am turning a bit soft at 53.

Back at Doucette after a very slow walk back, I opened a lovely array of cards and got even more emotional. This was getting silly. I had an early morning beer to calm me. Did the trick and I was ok. Well sort of.

 

The day just drifted by really, we decided to wait for the restaurant to open tomorrow and have a celebration lunch a day late. Took lots of very nice birthday messages and calls before We walked up to port royal the h2o marina and then around the town on the bikes. Even more impressed than before. Loved the market halls.

The church and statue of Napoleon outside the town hall was lovely and it was incredible to see the difference the cleaning was making to the church.

We did a spot of shopping and treated ourselves to a spectacular leg of lamb for my birthday dinner tonight.

Back aboard we settled down to drinking the rest of the afternoon away. It was just soo hot. I persuaded the crew to join me for a swim in the river, Despite the threat of vipers. It was glorious in the remarkably clear water. Proud of Collette for doing it, she hates the sea let alone a river full of weed and creatures. As its your birthday she said. Later darling, I replied! For now get in the bloody river. Amazingly she did. Well done darling.

We showered and sat on the poop like old gits recounting the trip so far and especially the visitor experiences. I got the lamb on the cob and Collette did the veg. Took a long awaited call from Tone and I was a contented 53 yr old. Emotional day and relatively quiet but ultimately, a good birthday.

A couple of large snifters. I reminded the crew that it was now later and after an earth moving coffee and I slept like a baby.

 

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