Canal archive

Extra laundry if there is still obc.

Okay back to the nitty gritty, our cruise a few years ago from Amsterdam to Basel in April was even cold for the locals, some of the inner city canals were still frozen. Luckily we had been keeping an eye on the weather and here I will give nod to Accuweather I’ve used it a lot. So we packed for layers if you can find silk undergarments, no they don’t have to be fru fru, especially socks then you’ll have toasty toes. By the time we reached Basel we were in short sleeves during the day so you really don’t want heavy jumpers but maybe a cardigan or throw for the evening. Have great cruise, enjoy.

My DH has his own E bike and found no challenges with those provided by Scenic he was the only previous user in the group which in the first instance was small they gained members as the cruise continued. They eventually became quite a clique several never having used an e-bike before. On this cruise there were always two guides in this case husband & wife.

Oh come, come a truly beautiful silk scarf if worth its weight in gold, it can finish off many different outfits several times over, as we were in France I thought this one appropriate and on our Seine cruise was stopped in the street and asked by a gentleman if he could buy it as his girlfriend had admired it he was also somewhat shocked that it was French and worn by an Englishwoman.

Maybe not everyone’s taste but I’m a bit of a Jean Cocteau aficionado.

On our Moselle cruise our Captain advised any photographers to rise early as it would be the best time to photograph the confluence as we left the river. So several of us intrepid lot got up at silly o’clock only for him to apologise profusely because the river authorities had informed him of rising water levels and to put the pedal to the metal to leave the river. Which of course means that hopefully we will just have to attempt the cruise again. It’s a beautiful river and yes Cochem is a gem.

On my last culinaire cruise I attended three but I was very lucky and had a great time. We’ve also attended courses ashore one memorable one in Lyon at the Paul Bocuse Institute. My advice get in early and book its great fun. Demonstrations yes and talks, strangely enough one of the more interesting a talk on French state payments, pensions etc. An art class on our Seine cruise with a wonderfully off the wall artist. Another in Lyon an afternoon with a French silk atelier, mind you that cost my DH a pretty penny I love scarves.

Good to see a little competition helps keep everyone on their toes re-expectations.

My in house expert has spoken, no throttle but three position lever and evidently speed of peddling. Never tried one myself but he uses his regularly. He also says that Scenic upgrade regularly so this may or may not change although so far not a throttle in sight. I’m pretty sure they are German machines.

On our Boudreaux cruise so many signed up they hired e-bikes in, what a fun sight watching some usually strait laced individuals coming to terms with this new invention. 
You do get full training and cannot go off on your own until your capability is assessed, helmets are must, I think they are a requirement across Europe. 
Wait til you see the bikes in some of our European cities! Enjoy.

Will double check with DH (an avid e, biker) when he wakes up he’s done several the latest was the Victor Hugo (I think) on the Seine.

Having been really able and mobile all of my life so far I’ve been absolutely knocked back realising that by the my recent onset of heart issues  my limbs are still capable but my body isn’t, hope you can understand that. I’m going to have to be very choosy as to the type of cruise I choose to do if I do in the future. I refuse to carry on if I’m going to interfere with other passengers as they will be paying out as much as myself, hard earned cash upset by someone else being in my opinion somewhat selfish. On one of our cruises we had a guy with a mobility scooter, small one he tried everything but went out of his way to not be in anyone else’s way. It is possible but please don’t be precious about it, I know life’s not fair but there are limits. Oh and not all of Europe is cobbled only some parts try the back route it’s most probably a clear open highway!

Surfers enjoy a five-star Severn Bore https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-68543486
 

This happens yearly on the river Severn and evidently it also happens in Bordeaux has anyone ever seen it?

Bit of a surprise passing a river boat!

Salamanca is not exactly on the Douro but navigable rivers are few and far between on the Iberian peninsula. Think about sailing through southern Portugal or central and southern Spain, in our dreams.

Similar to our experience on Scenic super way to get to know a few of your fellow travelers.

I must admit I forgot that point.

Everyone else moored across the Douro, taken from the top deck of Scenic Azure.

Regardless of only daylight cruising on the Douro for our total 11day cruise we never once breasted up overnight with another vessel. Come to think of it never encountered an exhaust problem.

Oh wow I’m surprised We loved the Douro it maybe not a cruise I would repeat I thought but they’ve added some different attractions I notice, we had an excellent tour guide, and were lucky ours traveled with us on the ship, met some of the friendliest people. Discovered Pink Port, excellent. The architecture inside and out the beautiful gardens and countryside superb. Don’t forget the Portuguese superbly outstanding tiles. Altogether maybe a little quaint but never a waste of time. Also we have the oldest alliance between two countries ever now that’s something to be proud about.

I suspect they’re concerned that a complete tour group may ‘clog’ up a cafe’ or restaurant. Also I actually have seen the ‘mighty’ dollar refused in Europe and I’m sorry to say that the couple it happened to were seriously not amused poor them.

Scenic does land tours as well that’s how they got started.

I’d return to ‘Harry’s Camp South Africa again and again. Wonderful country, people and of course absolutely superb animals.

It’s always worth asking the question don’t hold back you never know. Good luck.

Good old spag bog to the rescue!

Nippy Sweeti I’m dying to know there’s and yours, but what a hoot I suppose it did break the ice though.

Please your all not awkward, strange or picky it’s just the cards you’ve been dealt and I for one am happy I haven’t got the same hand but for the grace of whatever deity you may follow etc. Think how lucky we all are that the conditions have to live with have been realised and across most of the civilised (mentally underlined) world, recognised and been made able to be coped with. Have wonderful trips and superb food.

Mrs Claypool did you ask why? But wow I bet that set you back a bit, I’d loved to have been there. Although yes I’m with you twitchy yes.

Yup we’re building up quite a selection of names for the basement cabins. Of course ‘in the best possible taste’.