THE WINTER OF 2012-2013

May 2nd 2013
We have been here in Auxerre at our winter mooring for just over six months, and it's high time that we were on the move again.
HOWEVER... the river is in flood, the water level almost above the quay, a raging tide is rushing past us and the locks are closed. There is no way we can leave for a day or two.
Never mind, at least this gives me an opportunity to write a brief review of the winter season- our first actually living on Joli Coeur.

So, let's be thoroughly British and talk about the weather first! In fact, although we had long periods of chilly and wet, the snow did not arrive until January and gave us a completely new look at this lovely old city right opposite our mooring.

We stayed warm and cosy with the benefit of our central heating and the pretty electric mock wood burner which we were given last spring.

We were surrounded by other people (mostly British) also over-wintering and enjoyed a very sociable time, with drinks and supper parties, movie nights on JC every Wednesday, Mexican Train for the girls, a grand Thanksgiving dinner on board, a travelling party on New Year's Eve and the opportunity for me to have guitar lessons every day, which I thoroughly enjoyed (without becoming all that competent)

The Thanksgiving Table

With us all winter were Nigel and Maggie on Gesina, John and Lissie on Puddlesstone, Roger and Wendy on Izulu, Christopher and Serena on  Celestia and Pierre the lone Frenchman on his motor boat, Nicephore.

New Year's Eve: Simon,Roger, Lissie, Wendy, Nigel and Maggie

Christmas Day we spent by ourselves, but with Nigel and Maggie's dog Taschi for extra company. They had gone to England to visit family for a few days and we were pleased to baby sit.

Happy Christmas!

Others came and went, either to leave their barge for the winter to pay a short visit, and more recently to get ready for the coming season. They included Richard and Julia on Ettie (Julia very kindly helped me to set up this year's blog), David and Louisa on  Tesserae , John and Rosie on Xanadu, Andrew and Christine who had sold Beau Soleil and came back to help the new owner settle in.
We made a short pre-Christmas trip to England and the Charlyn left in March for a 5 week visit to friends and family in USA, including a week with our dear friends Doug and Molly in South Carolina.
During that time I was left on JC - but bu no means on my own as we had just a few days previously acquired the new member of the family Miss Daisy May Daffodil Carcassonne Anderson, an 8 week old puppy of uncertain ancestry (posssibly some Spaniel, some Collie, some Bergerac) from a rescue home in Carcassonne (only a six hour drive from here!). She is one of three sisters who were handed in a week earlier and was reputed to be the "Quiet one". Some chance!!!

The sisters Amber, Ruby and Safir  (now Daisy)

It didn't take long for her to grow, and an even shorter time for her to become extremely boisterous, but she is a joy and great (if somewhat exhausting) company.

Now I am 3 months old

Fortunately Daisy like going in the car and has already made 2 long trips to Paris and back as well as daily outings to the park

Spring was greatly delayed by the continuing poor weather, but has finally arrived, turning Auxerre into a city of floers and colour.

I should not end this winter's tale without mentioning our eating out pleasures. There are three Chinese buffets in town, all of which we have visited and mostly enjoyed. However our best find was "Le p'tit Bersaude" a tiny 28 cover bistro on our side of town. I ate there every Sunday lunch that Charlyn was away and we have continued the habit since she returned. Le Patron, Michel, runs a well organised and very full restaurant and is backed up by an excellent chef plus two assistants. I have only eaten one dish twice, and everything has been top class. Much to be recommended!

Chef, Michel (with braces) and Simon

May 4th

Although it is a lovely day, and I hope to get outside to do some paintwork, the river is still running at the rate of knots and the level is still just below the quay. The locks remain closed and we are told that we may well not get away until 9th or so. Watch this space!!!

May 8th

Our frustration continues!! Even though the river here is back to normal levels and all looks well; the situation is that some miles north (downstream) of us the Arancon joins the Yonne and that river is still in spate. Consequently, although we could probably get as far as Gurgy- half way to the Canal de Bourgogne - we could not get any further. Now it looks like Sunday 12th at best.
In thee meantime one of our local ducks has decided that our herb garden bowl is just the place for nesting, and has presented us with an egg. Not a good plan!

May 15th
Yet another week has gone by and we are still here.It seems that the tremendous rainfall a  month ago has thoroughly upset the balance of the pounds between the locks and all the water levels are out of whack. Well, that's their story!
The latest word is that the river willbe open on Friday ((17th) - "at the earliest". We shall see.

3 days ago I celebrated my 5 month birthday

Is this the biggest wisteria in the world??

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