Monday 27th August La Bussiere sur Ouche to Pont D'ouche

Trip 6kms Departure 9.30. Locks 5 of 415

It was an early start at the request of the eclusiers and we did not have time for breakfast. Dave steered us through the lovely scenery of the ouche valley on a stonker of a day. Collette rustled us a bowl of fresh fruit salad of peaches, apples, apricots and bananas with Greek yoghurt for an on the move breakfast.

 

Dave was getting to used to the easy life at the helm and had a go at opening the lock gates. The young female eclusier saw him struggling and rushed to help the poor old giggling Barfy.

We arrived at Pont D'ouche and chez Bryony. The little port here is run by a locally renowned character who hails from brum, takes no nonsense and runs the cafe, port shop with a rod of iron. We nestled in whilst the crew arranged electric and water, I went to meet Bryony and see what the score was.

Within 5 minutes, she was selling me the place. It was getting too much for her 7 days a week 10 hours for 7 months without a break and she was on her own ( no surprise there to be honest) and the was the accounts and stock collection and " no thanks Bryony, I just want to pay for a couple of nights"

Do you want bread?

Yes please 2 baguettes.

I got 2 pretty tired baguettes and paid my very reasonable dues.

Water system leaks so you make sure you turn the main taps off as well! She scolded as I made my escape.

Outside I was delayed by some hotel barge people out on a bike ride and taking a drink. Two new zealanders, an American and a Malaysian. They had been in Paris for a week, 5 days now on a luxury hotel barge and then off to Barcelona for a med cruise. How the other half live I pondered. Then I remembered!

They were nice and very chatty and by the time I returned to Doucette, I was in trouble for talking too much. Why was the water not working and the electric was a different connection and I needed to change to a French plug. 30minutes later all was sorted! Nice to be needed.

I had wanted to visit chateauneuf 8 Kms distant and So with time marching on, we decided to have lunch with Bryony. We took a table, Dave and I ordered some sort of fish balls and chips whilst Trish had a assiette of fromage and charcuterie and Collette had an assiette de charcuterie. Collette had also ordered chips.

They never came. Collette said to Bryony where's my chips.

You never ordered any!

Oh god I thought, this is a nightmare. Collette stood her ground and Bryony stormed off and returned with a portion of frites. 5 minutes later she came out to the garden and told us to bring our plates back in when we were finished. Unbelievable but we did it.

The weather was seriously hot and we left the girls to relax whilst returning to la Bussiere for the car. On our return we set off for chateauneuf. A magnificent village on a high hill commanding the whole valley. The view of the walled city on approach was breathtaking.

We climbed the 1in 3 hill and found our way through the tiny streets to the square where Dave parked. Chateauneuf is like a mini carcasonne without the tacky tourism. It has a few galleries and shops but is very much a living village so well preserved. We wandered the magnificent streets.

The castle was closed for tours as it was now 6 ish but we strolled the city and did find a now retired Chinese antiques trader who welcomed us to look round her store while she sat beside her cat reading in the setting sun. She told me she sold about 50000 € worth per year but now that she was retired her life was more important otherwise she would trade in Paris.

We admired the remarkable views over the valley

Before settling in the square at the hotel bar for a welcome leffe.

Dave drove us back to Doucette

where we settled down to some gin and tonics and wine and settled for a supper of merguez hotdogs in the slightly crusty baguettes and followed that with a cheese fest and a couple more bottles of merlot.

Glenfiddich 12 yr old for snifters and we went to bed slaughtered.

Lovely day!

 

 

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