"The time has come," the Walrus said to talk of many things:
of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings,why the sea is boiling hot, and whether pigs have wings."

We have decided that it is time for us to move on to another adventure. We have put our lovely ship "Oldtimer" up for sale. When we started this adventure it was for a year or two and now find we have been living this lovely life in France for 6 years. Time has flown. Please if you are interested or even just curious or know someone who is interested or just curious go to our link :

http://www.apolloduck.net/205461

As you will see the barge is quite wonderful and very liveable. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to make a rendevous to see "Oldtimer."

Eric and Sudi Berg bergbarge@gmail.com

France is a country in which religion has deep roots. The country was founded and built around monasteries, churches, chapels, basilicas and many monuments with religious orientation. Each village has a church - some in excellent condition cared for by the towns people and some which are barely standing and are severly neglected. Although the primary religion is Catholic the Catholic Church in Rome no longer supports most of the churches. The number of priests has diminished so much that Mass is said usually in only one of the churches of the region. Often a priest may travel during a month from church to church. Each church and chapel is unique and quite lovely.



We met our friends Mary and Jim in Anzy le Duc for lunch . This really tiny village has a very lovely church and monastery as well as a wonderful place for lunch. We rode our bikes from Artaix and met Mary and Jim who drove from Paray la Monial. A delicious lunch.

The Church at Semur en Brionais.

The old door of a Church at Semur en Brionais.

On the way home from our bike ride to Anzy le Duc we discovered this small chapel set in the woods. It was called the Chapel of Notre Dame. It is obviously well cared for by someone and they have trustingly left it open for all visitors to enter. Another very wonderful French tradition.

The Chapel of Notre Dame.

We have seen so many beautiful churches. Often it is the smallest structure which is the most beautiful and elegant. Many of the churches date back to 900AD. They have sometimes been added on to and repaired numerous times but are still standing. When we are riding through the countryside it is often the Church spire which lets us know we are nearing the next village.

Arriving back in Roanne

Incredible sunsets in France. Worth the trip . This is in the Port of Roanne directly across from our mooring.

Spring is the time for the arrival of many new and adorable ducks in the Port.

Ater coming back from the States it is good to be in our own home. There is cleaning, planting, touching up, new carpet, oil changes and many opportunities to put all our skills to work. All is ready on June 12th as we finally leave Port for destinations unknown.