The way to Dole

We had a strange mooring at Chalon sur Saone, we were told that we should be welcome at the pleasure boat harbour but when we looked, there was no room for us. We found a derelict commercial wharf not far from the centre of town, which was at least 15 metres high. To get to this height we had to moor alongside a recessed stairway in the face of the wharf and climb up to find something to tie to. We had to haul our bikes up to the top with ropes. Ali and John did most of the bike hauling – they are young and fit you see, and it was easy for them.
We stayed in Chalon sur Saone for a few days, then headed north on the Saone river for St Jean de Losne. We spent a few days on “the steps” there and showed Ali and John around the area we had called home for almost 6 months before we started on our dream. We then continued north and entered the Rhone au Rhin canal. Ah! the observant amongst you say, "you are back home at St Symphorien” and you are right! But we don't stop because we are on our way to show Ali and John the sites of Dole.

The observant amongst you will also note that the photographer must have been off on another assignment again.

Next morning we were up early – as were the ballonists, and we went off to investigate the town.

Ali and John left us at Dole.We put them on a TGV high speed train for Paris. They were off to Ethiopia in Africa to continue their volunteer work.

Marg and I continued up the Rhone au Rhin canal departing Dole the next day, Sunday 21^st August. We wanted to get to Besancon and next time, we will show you this wonderful old city.

Au revoir till then, Keep in touch.