Wednesday 22nd May Vermenton, its only 2.7km

A morning stroll to the tiny village Boulangerie on a dry bright morning was an almost forgotten pleasure. I investigated the Tim recommended restaurent which is in the  michelin guide and "people come from miles to eat there". Menu looked reasonable considering and I planned a possible visit depending on the river closure news which I recieved on my return to Doucette. Re opens Friday, the crew asserted. We spent the morning blogging and generally drying and sorting things. Nearly left the dehumidifier in the car. Thank goodness we had not as it was now in ful time use.
Collette and Mum went for a 5 minute stroll round the village with mum returning complaining of itchy legs. Thankfully her appetite was not affected as we sat down to a classic lunch of breads cheeses ham and pates.
I set up the satellite for mum and she settled to an afternoon of tv. At last we had blue skies and a warm sun. Collette and I set off along the towpath for a 2.7km walk to Vermenton and to do some shopping for vittals. It was fabulous and a reminder of why we do this.
We soon reached the boat basin at the end of the navigation but could not see an obvious way across the river. We followed its course toward a bridge which turned out to be the railway line. I was all for crossing the 40m as there are only two trains a day but Collette quite rightly refused. We were so close yet so far.

We set off on the only track available confident that there must be a bridge across to Vermenton eventually. An hour later after a beautiful walk through fields and forest providing fantastic rural views back to the elusive town, we realized we were out of luck.

We retraced our path not unduly sad at our failure to get to Vermenton and an hour later were entering Accolay from the far side of the village finding one of the smallest train stations I have seen.

 

Before arriving back at the quay with Mum wondering what on earth had happened. we had been gone nearly 3 hours. We explained that it had been a very long 2.7kms to Vermenton

 

We retired healthily fatigued having finally enjoyed a fine day both weather wise and excercise wise. It was a lovely feeling.