https://onabargeinfrance.com/2022/07/14/in-a-house-in-france-boatless/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_0206.jpegIMG_0206https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_0859.jpegimg_0859Running for their lives ... somewhat slowly2022-07-18T19:19:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/two-americans-on-the-canals-of-france/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/st-mammes-07-aoc3bbt-2017_72.jpgst mammes-07 août 2017_72https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hoop-blog.jpghoop bloghttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/correct-cover-image1.jpgcorrect cover imagehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/correct-cover-image.jpgcorrect cover imagehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hoep1.jpghoep2021-06-25T13:58:40+00:00weekly0.6https://onabargeinfrance.com/2019/08/07/hoop-doet-leven-is-for-sale/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_5282.jpgIMG_5282Our friend, Maine artist Tom Curry, and his wife, author Kim Ridley, visited. Tom's work is available at http://tomcurrymaineartist.com.2022-05-26T23:22:09+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/hoop-doet-leven/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010518.jpgP1010518https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hoep31.jpghoep3https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010462-e1320772917106.jpgP1010462https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010515.jpgP1010515https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010501.jpgP1010501https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010493.jpgP1010493https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010489.jpgP1010489https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010488.jpgP1010488https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010484.jpgP1010484https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p1010485.jpgP10104852019-08-07T15:37:54+00:00weekly0.6https://onabargeinfrance.com/2018/09/11/ok-apologies-for-not-writing/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/boston-circus.jpgBoston circushttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/chocolate-escargot.jpgchocolate escargotA shop in Dijon offered the prospect chocolate-covered escargot. Alas, I lacked the courage to sample them.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/beaune-balloon.jpgBeaune balloonHere's the town of Beaune, which calls itself the wine capital of Burgundy, as seen from the balloon.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/balloon.jpgballoonHere we are inside the partially-inflated balloon.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_0857.jpgIMG_0857https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2449-2.jpgIMG_2449 2https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2449.jpgIMG_2449https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/never-cover.jpgnever coverThe American political climate seems ready for a novel of a near future in which something similar to the Holocaust happens.2018-09-11T23:32:42+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2018/08/10/please-vote/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/screenshot_2018-08-10-never-again-a-novel-koehler-books-publishing.pngScreenshot_2018-08-10 NEVER AGAIN A Novel Koehler Books PublishingClick the image to go to the cover poll page and vote2018-08-13T04:23:01+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2018/05/12/easing-into-france/2018-05-13T01:57:32+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2018/04/20/striking-off-for-france/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/strike-calendar.jpgstrike calendarWe're lucky the newspapers print the transportation strike schedule for the next few months. (AF is Air France).https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/lunch-menu.jpglunch menuHere's a school lunch schedule for one week. See why elementary kids would strike if the new chef was not up to par.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1006.jpgIMG_1006Teachers came from all over France to march in front of the Paris Hotel de Ville when the President Hollande proposed that schools be open on Wednesdays.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/imgp1499.jpgIMGP1499.JPGThis cluster never got the word to walk off the job. Not only did he accompany us throughout the day to open locks shut by his striking coworkers, but he joined us for lunch onboard and then entertained us with his harmonica. He traded his VNF cap with Sandra for her WoodenBoat magazine hat.2018-04-21T23:02:24+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2018/04/06/oh-la-la-its-that-time-of-year-again/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/small-boat-paintingh.jpgsmall boat paintinghhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/margot-painting.jpgmargot paintinghttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/flower-painting.jpgflower paintinghttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/eds-boat.jpgeds boathttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rochard.jpgRochardOur son, Sam, on the left, opened what he hopes will be the best craft beer bar in Manhattan, the Rochard, (https://www.therochardnyc.com), on the Upper East Side. Older son Ben and I spent a weekend there, as this late night photo demonstrates.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/omaha.jpgomahahttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cheesehead.jpgcheeseheadMeaux, on the Marne River, is the home of brie cheese. The protectors of the honor of brie are members of la Confrérie des Compagnons du Brie de Meaux. Here is the Grand Conseil de l'Ordre. Yes, their headgear consists of wheels of cheese.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/barge.jpgbargeWho knew that the mooring just before locks on the Marne were used by commercial barges when the locks shut down for the night. We felt like we were a barge sandwich this night. The captain felt so badly about squeezing us that he presented us with an antique anchor light as a gift.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/margot.jpgmargotNew granddaughter Margot Clement. Despite Sandra's efforts to Frenchify our daughter's married name - her husband is from a Quebec family - she sternly warns us that her name rhymes with "cement."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/faering.jpgfaeringThis is the Norwegian fearing that occupied the winter. It was the Vikings' pickup truck of the year 950.2018-04-07T02:16:34+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2017/07/20/je-suis-celebre/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_0656.jpgIMG_0656Click the photo for the newspaper article, in French 2017-07-31T17:34:03+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2017/07/11/leap-and-the-net-will-appear/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/beer.jpegbeerPart of the Belgian beer purchasehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/s-boat-work.jpegS boat workSandra scraped decades of paint off the aft deck with these implements of destruction.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/art-on-deck.jpegart on deckThe artist set up on the aft deck.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/grinding.jpeggrindingNothing toxic about old paint, right?https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dogs.jpgdogshttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/art-3.jpegart 3https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/art-2.jpegart 2https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sandra-art-1.jpegsandra art 1https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rivets.jpegrivetsThese are the rivets holding Hoop Does Leven together. They were buried under decades of hull paint. Our rivets surfaced after all that paint was blasted away. Having your rivets show on a steel boat are a major status symbol.2017-07-14T13:54:12+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2017/05/15/on-the-road-again/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1545.jpgIMG_1545Whoops. The propeller isn't sup[posed to look quite this bent. Good thing we had a spare.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_2016.jpgIMG_2016Sandra's version of Joan's Cows.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_2011.jpgIMG_2011I got a bit carried away building a Viking-era faering. These boats didn't actually have dragon's heads. This one was stuck on in jest.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1976.jpgIMG_1976The movie career continued this winter, playing an extra in a film called The Catcher Was a Spy, about a baseball player who joined the OSS in World War Two. Costuming dressed me as a typical baseball fan in 1936 for the scenes filmed at Boston's Fenway Park. What fun.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/joans-cows.jpgjoan's cowsJoan of Arc's cows under a tree on a hill along the Loire.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_0611.jpgIMG_0611Ben & Jerry's ice cream is sold at most French pizza shops We'll see if this flavor crosses the Atlantic.2017-05-30T14:29:38+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/11/09/were-so-sorry/2022-12-23T17:47:13+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/10/01/wow-hoop-does-leven-returns-to-her-roots/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cemetary1-e1475323235356.jpegcemetaryAn odd chart entry. Even a 90-year-old barge such as Hoop will pass on some day. This could be her final resting - or rusting - place on the Meuse in the Belgian Ardenne.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fullsizerender-1.jpgfullsizerender-1Besides its crew of welders and mechanics , Tinnemans sports a menagerie of penned and free range animals. These folks visit our deck every day.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/westwing-peg.jpegwestwing-pegI got through three weeks of continuous U.S. election coverage by binge watching the fantastic TV series West Wing instead of watching the news. This is what I saw looking out the window of my WOWjet. Icelandic humor is subtle.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/tinnemans.jpegtinnemansHoop Does Leven is the only noncommercial scheep at Tinnemans. At least we have lots of Protection from our neighboring cargo ship.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cantillon.jpegcantillonThe manager at Cantillon Brewery, which makes what some say is the world's best beer, nonetheless wore a tee shirt from Hill Farms in Vermont, which some say makes the world's best beer.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/routier.jpegroutierThis was the parking lot of a routiere, a truck stop, where we had dinner on the Meuse.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fish-e1475321692152.jpegfishThere are fish in the French canals after all. This fishasaurus rex - it is a carpe mirroir, a goldfish cousin, was caught next to where we moored one night. The fisherman gave us a couple of hefty slices. Sandra was less than thrilled.2017-01-15T13:05:28+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/buy-the-book-at-amazon-as-an-e-book-or-paperback/2016-09-11T14:10:54+00:00weekly0.6https://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/08/05/the-art-of-french-barging/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000388.jpgP1000388https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000387.jpgP1000387https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000391.jpgP1000391https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000390.jpgP1000390https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000389.jpgP1000389https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000393.jpgP1000393https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000392.jpgP1000392https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000395.jpgP1000395https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000394.jpgP1000394https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1000398.jpgP10003982016-08-13T00:19:25+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/08/05/cruising-beyond-our-comfort-zone/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_1509.jpgIMG_1509The Canal du Vosges was infested with locks. To speed up the process, Sandra ran ahead on the tow path to trigger locks before the barge arrived.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hoop2016.jpghoop2016No matter how rushed we were, there was always time to pull over by the side of the canal for lunch next to a quiet chateau.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/puligny-map.jpgpuligny mapWe rode our bikes from the mooring at Santenay, in prime Burgundy wine country, through some of the world's top vineyards. Check out the towns' names.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/boulangerie2.jpgboulangerie2New towns. New boulangeries. Old favorites and new treats. There is absolutely no better way to start your day than a quiet walk through the morning chill to a warm boulangerie.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mcdo-menu.jpgmcdo menuOn the other hand, this summer's featured menu at French McDonalds offers items no Manhattan street vendor ever sold.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sandra-running.jpgsandra running2016-08-06T15:31:58+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/06/05/this-years-demi-tour-u-turn/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1371.jpgDSCN1371https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1367.jpgDSCN1367Barging is full of surprises. This lock tender was a sculptor between boats arriving at his lock.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1469.jpgIMG_1469The hot French food item this summer is at McDo, what the French kids call McDonalds.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1465.jpgIMG_1465https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1383.jpgDSCN1383Sandra has found no shortage of landscapes to paint along the canals.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1382.jpgDSCN1382And no shortage of cows to pose for her either.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1380.jpgDSCN1380We'd been listening to country music all afternoon and Sandra was inspired by Johnny Cash singing about John Henry swinging his hammer. Here she is hammering our three foot long mooring stakes into the grass.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1481.jpgIMG_1481Being trapped wasn't too terrible. This boulangerie, with the best pain au chocolate on the canals, was just across the street.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_14791.jpgIMG_1479https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1479.jpgIMG_1479The wall of the Canal de Briare, where we had planned to travel toward Paris, collapsed, dumping the canal onto a farmer's field.2016-06-18T10:36:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/05/24/cruising-into-controversy/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/shave.pngshaveThe circonflexe is thought to have been inspired by the proud mustaches of ancient Gauls.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/je_suis_circonflexe_circumflex_tshirt.jpgje_suis_circonflexe_circumflex_tshirtInspired by the Je sui Charlie movement, save the circonflexe tee shirts are hot in France.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/je_suis_circonflexe_circumflex_baby_bodysuit.jpgje_suis_circonflexe_circumflex_baby_bodysuitEven babies, too young to yet use the circonflexe, can join the cause.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/je-sui.pngje suihttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/onion.jpgonionThis will become an ognon.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/circonflexes.jpgcirconflexesThe circonflexe rests atop letters like a comfortable hat.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cartoon.jpgcartoonAs with a huge percentage of French youth, the circonflexe will soon be out of a job.2016-05-28T09:34:28+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/05/02/ch-ch-ch-changes-maybe/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ebook-cover.jpgebook cover(Click on the cover to purchase the e-book or paperback from Amazon)https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dscn1120.jpgDSCN1120Today's captain.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderHoop's first captain.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ellis-viking.jpgEllis VikingMini Viking. The winter was spent building a peapod , a traditional Maine rowing boat with Viking genes. Our grandson Ellis has the traditional Viking gear of binkie and blankie.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/hoop-working-days2.jpgHoop working days2Hoop Doet Leven in her working girl days. The granddaughter of Hoop's original owner emailed us a set of family photos.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/paris-brest.jpgparis-brestA Paris-Brest, found at pâtisseries all over France2016-05-04T17:17:59+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/02/08/more-book-news/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ebook-cover.jpgebook coverClick on the book to go to Amazon.2016-02-08T21:55:00+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2016/01/24/on-a-barge-in-france-the-book-arrives/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ebook-cover.jpgebook coverThe ebook version of On a Barge in France is available from Amazon. Click on the image to go to Amazon.2019-08-24T01:33:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2015/08/11/were-not-on-the-canal-lateral-de-la-loire-any-more-toto/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_0961.jpgIMG_0961While the barge was laid up we rented a canoe on the Dordogne River and paddled from cliffside town to cliffside town.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_1045.jpgIMG_1045Somehow American signs lack the artistic sophistication of French signage.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_1035.jpgIMG_1035Scenic coastal Maine. This is Portland. Or maybe Acadia National Park. This went on for day. After day. After day. And it wasn't France.2015-09-26T03:55:43+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2015/06/10/three-fantastic-reasons-why-you-should-never-ever-brag-about-how-the-engine-has-never-ever-failed/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/headless-722.jpgHeadless-722Best headline in history. Even the NY Times says so. Nothing to do with France, but a work of journalistic artistry worth noting.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/d-day.jpgD dayCaptured by Gen. Patton's army. Driving into a small town we were surrounded by jeeps, halftracks and a Sherman tank, and French reenactors dressed as U.S. soldiers from WW II.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/splines.jpgsplinesSplines. These are the decapitated splines on the gear shaft. They are supposed to be higher.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tow.jpgtowUnder tow. We were saved by the generosity of Peti and Lucy, Swiss friends. We truly live in a friendly linear village.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/engine-experts.jpgengine expertsThe experts. We were fortunate enough to shred our gearbox just 20 kilometers from a boatyard run by two British barge builders. We could have been at the mercy of a French tractor mechanic.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/flying-engine.jpgflying engineThe flying engine. The engine was lifted out by a crane, through the wheelhouse floor and wheelhouse roof.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_0944.jpgIMG_0944Vice grip throttle lever. The last resort when WD-40 and duct tape won't solve a problem.2015-07-13T01:29:25+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2015/05/29/slow-food-fast-food-french-food-were-back/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/jacqueson.jpgJacquesonMarie Jacqueson wished me bon courage, good luck, as I pedaled away with a dozen bottle of her la Pucelle in my saddlebags. We had to stop for a beer on the ride back to the barge.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ketchup.jpgketchupOn special at the Intermarche was chicken marinated in . . . Ketchup. Not quite a high point of French cuisine.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/monster-trucks.jpgmonster trucksSUUUUNDAAAAAY!!!! The talk in Paray-le-Monial, destination of thousands of religious pilgrims, was about the Monster Truck Spectacular, featuring The Crusher which was "Made in USA"https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ellis.jpgEllisMandatory new grandson photo. New grandkids are the natural enemy of extended boat cruises away from home.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sandra-snow.jpgsandra snowHarvey plowed the driveway every week and Sandra raked the roof.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/shed.jpgshedMarshview Boatworks World Headquarters - This was the winter project, a course in Building Construction 101. And next winter the dinghies and kayaks will fly through those double doors.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ellis-sweater.jpgellis sweaterMandatory new grandson photo. Grandkids: the natural enemy of long boat cruises.2017-11-13T08:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/11/11/were-back-or-weve-left/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bookstore.jpgbookstoreFrench bookstores are almost as common as dog groomers, driving schools and tabacs.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/screen-shot-2014-10-24-at-3-58-19-pm.pngScreen Shot 2014-10-24 at 3.58.19 PMhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/beagle.jpgbeagleAmerica's first defense - a Homeland Security beagle.2015-03-31T18:25:26+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/08/16/a-somewhat-cheesey-experience/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/affinage.jpgaffinageThe affineur taps the cheese and it tells him when it is ready.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cheesecellar.jpgcheeseCellarThe wheels of Comte are stored in the cheese cellar for up to two years. Does eating a two-year-old unpasturezed milk product worry you? Try it, you'll like it.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/comte.jpgcomteComte cheese, the goal of our four-day quest2014-10-11T15:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/07/27/we-fought-the-law-and-we-won-sort-of/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/rhine-lock.jpgrhine lockWe shared the Rhine locks with boats that made us feel like a toy.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pirates.jpgpiratesLes Pirates. We shared 22 canal locks, once back in France, with these three young Swiss, who were on their way, they said, to the Mediterranean. They brushed their teeth with beer at 8:30 that morning and didn't stop drinking for 22 locks. We hope they survive.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/arzviller.jpgarzvillerThe Arzviller Inclined Plane Boat Lift, on our way down in June. We never made it back up.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/goat-sign.jpggoat signThe goats had priority at the ruined castle overlooking Lutzelbourg.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/choucroute-book.jpgchoucroute bookIt was time to leave Alsace. This book is either a children's story or a recipe book forchoucroute garni, sauerkraut smothered in sausages. https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/munster-cow.jpgmunster cowSandra was in cow heaven on the farm in the Vosges Mountains with a herd of Munster cows. This one should have been named Herman.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/rhine.jpgrhineSize matters. We were dwarfed on the Rhine by large commercial ships. Our 21 meter - 70 foot - barge is the tiny thing that looks like a bathtub rubber ducky.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/handicap-sign.jpghandicap signThe mysteries of French signage continued. This sign at an Alsatian train station, described reserved sitting places for people with disabilities. We figured out the handicapped person, the blind person, the deaf person and the pregnant person. But thge second symbol from the left puzzled us. Could they really be reserving a bench for multiracial people?https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lutzelbourg.jpgLutzelbourgThis is Lutzebourg, where Hoop Doet Leven was moored, on and off, for five weeks. The little boat between the trees is Hoop. We climbed up to the ruins of a castle above the town, where goats roamed and the goatherdess sold fresh goat cheese.2014-07-31T20:28:09+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/07/05/going-where-no-barge-can-go-by-car/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/h.jpghEven the pros used batons - walking sticks - and we weren't too proud to do the same.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mountain2.jpgmountain2We climbed to the snow every day at Chamonix.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/snow.jpgsnowThese guys rode the cable car with us, then set off for the snow.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fire.jpgfireThe black area outside the barge door is where angry Algerian fans burned a car - but not a German car - after Germany beat Algeria in the World Cup the night before we arrived at Saverne.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/hs-mountains.jpgh&S mountainsWe felt a long way from the barge, especially the morning it snowed.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whoopie-pie.jpgwhoopie pieOur grandson Noah after he won the county fair whoopee pie eating contest.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/glacier.jpgglacierThe gravel area toward the left is all that remains of a major glacier.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/petit-bateau.jpgpetit bateauThe big event in Strasbourg, the capital of Europe, was the 50 percent off sale at Petit Bateau. The soon-to-arrive Nicole/Braden child will be accoutered a francaise.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/paraglider.jpgparagliderHarvey considered a paraglider ride from a mountain top. Then reconsidered it.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/antigravity.jpgantigravityHere we are on the famous Alpine Anti-Gravity Rock.2014-07-13T06:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/06/15/visiting-hansel-and-gretal-french-version/2014-06-24T20:00:46+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/04/26/on-the-bachelor-barge/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/solar.jpgsolarSix of these solar panels now turn sunlight into battery juice.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/280px-saucisse_de_montbc3a9liard.jpg280px-Saucisse_de_MontbéliardSaucisse de Montbéliard, the champagne of hot dogs.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/arzviller.jpgarzvillerThe Arzviller boat lift raises boats in a traveling tub up and down a hillside, when it works.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/boston.jpgbostonOur new home port, the other Boston.2014-06-04T11:38:57+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/09/05/thank-you-everybody-in-france/2014-03-28T14:16:38+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/04/12/counting-down-to-blast-off/2014-03-27T21:36:04+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2014/02/24/time-for-the-eastward-migration/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/marathon.jpgmarathonAbram and Harvey at the Science Fiction Marathon, shaping young minds.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/winter.jpgwinterThe view from our kitchen window onto the wintry salt marsh. Harvey plowed the driveway. Sandra shoveled off the roof.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ducklings.jpgducklingsThe Red Sox won the World Series and even the Make Way for Ducklings ducklings on the Boston Common got into the spirit.2014-03-08T16:57:04+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/10/22/doing-the-write-thing/2014-02-04T16:25:41+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/our-2013-cruise-2/2013-09-22T12:50:41+00:00weekly0.6https://onabargeinfrance.com/where-we-went-on-the-2012-cruise/2013-09-22T04:12:33+00:00weekly0.6https://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/09/18/rediscovering-america/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/noah-abram.jpgnoah-abramAbram and Noah in their new France football (a.k.a. soccer) shirts. They are deep into football at home (a.k.a. football).https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ferme.jpgfermeOpen seven days a week does not include Sunday.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bread-truck.pngbread truckBread is so essential that towns without their own boulangerie receive a daily delivery, probably from the French version of FEMA.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dog-restaurant.jpgdog restaurantIt isn't quite this blatant, but dogs are welcome patrons in French restaurants, but not without their owners.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/home.jpghomeBe it ever so humble. Home in Ipswich, Massachusetts.2014-02-20T11:24:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/08/09/wandering-down-the-eaten-path/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bussiere.jpgbussiereLa Bussiere, a castle with its own fishing lake.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nuke.jpgnukeThese pastures adjacent to the reactors adjacent to the canal might be the source of the milk sold at French markets that never has to be refrigerated and never goes bad.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/joans-oak.jpgJoan's oakJoan of Arc's oak tree, the first misstep on her path to being burned at the stake.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/joans-cows.jpgjoan's cowsThese cows live at the base of Joan of Arc's 800-year-old oak, as did their great-to the 20th degree-ancestors.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/chevre-sign.jpgchevre signhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/chevre-bike.jpgchevre bikeWe couldn't peddle past a farm selling goat cheese, especially the xxxhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vezelay.jpgvezelayThe Basilica of St. Magdelene at Vezelay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, fort almost 1,000 years, a destination for medieval pilgrims, now known as tourists.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vezelay-sign.jpgvezelay signThe nuns at Vezelay hid Jewish children from the Nazis. Their courage was recognized by the State of Israel.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/briare-pont.jpgbriare pontThe pint canal at Briare is a 682 meter (almost a half-mile) tub, designed in part by the ubiquitous Gustave Eiffel, on which we motored over the Loire River.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sancerre-view.jpgsancerre viewSancerre, with both vineyards and fortifications, has twice the reasons to be on a hilltop. Nonetheless, when the Catholic king conquered the Protestant city, as punishment for having to climb the hill he ordered all the church bells melted down.2013-09-20T14:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/07/17/on-the-boat-and-off-the-boat/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/narrow-road.jpgnarrow roadMedieval road planners didn't design with heavy traffic in mind.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/children.jpgchildrenHiking school kids wave at the barge. There's no time to reach for the camera in the car for sights like this.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/car-sign.jpgcar signWithout this sign we would not know that it is forbidden to drive into the canalhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/homer.jpgHomerHomer, an American import loved by all in France.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/bump-sign.jpgbump signThis really warns of speed bumps, what our English friends call "sleeping policemen."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/exclaim-sign.jpgexclaim signOur favorite sign: "Warning. Wonderment ahead."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wheel.jpgwheelHoop Doet Leven's wheel doesn't give sports car agility, but it sure is pretty.2013-07-24T15:34:57+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/06/07/springing-into-summer/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sunny-hoop.jpgsunny hoopThe rain stopped, the sun shone and all is right with France.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weed-whacker-3.jpgweed whacker 3https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weed-whacker1.jpgweed whackerThey look like they came from a flying saucer but they are protecting France from Nature.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/semur.jpgsemurIt doesn't get any more medieval than Samur-en-Auxois.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/bread-box.jpgbread boxThe baguette box takes priority over the mail box.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cafe-cathedral.jpgcafe cathedralNo medieval cathedral is complete without a properly respect cafe next door.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/brioche-oven.jpgbrioche ovenThe world's largest brioche oven was built to bake, of course, the world's largest brioche.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/trees-trimmed.jpgtrees trimmedThe result is full size bonsai trees lining streets, like a row of giant green lollipops.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tree-trim.jpgtree trimMiraculously, the trees do recover.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tree-trim-3.jpgtree trim 3A properly trimmed tree: decapitated and disarmed. Take that Ma Nature.2014-08-02T12:39:03+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/05/20/a-typical-day-on-board/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/clamp.jpgclampOur mooring clamps attached us to the overgrown steel walls of the canal.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/centre-lock.jpgcentre lockThe guillotine lock lowered us down to the River Soane.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/balloons.jpgballoonsA flock of Montgolfiers - hot air balloons - flew overhead and landed in a field in front of the boat.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wedding.jpgweddingHoop Doet Leven will be immortalized in this couple's wedding album.2013-05-31T10:18:06+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/05/17/on-the-road-again-sort-of/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wine-delivery.jpgwine deliveryhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fisherman1.jpgfisherman2013-06-13T16:40:10+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/03/06/living-on-a-barge/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/london-flat.jpglondon flatLondon wanted Mary Poppin's retirement flat.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sail-storm.jpgsail stormSandra's nightmare about sailing around the world.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/island-sail.jpgisland sailHarvey's dream of sailing to the South Seas.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sandtex_10l.jpgsandtex_10lLighthouse paint. See the picture on the label.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hempel.jpghempelYou can tell its boat paint by the boatie pictures on the can.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ida.jpgIdaIDA is the sailboat we have stored away at home. She's for sale. Interested?2021-07-13T05:03:36+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/04/21/boston/2013-04-25T04:28:18+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/02/23/a-year-floating-through-france/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/chocolate.jpgchocolateChocolate sculpture at Rogers in Paris.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/snails.jpgsnailsEscargot, among our best French friends.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/supremes.jpgsupremesThe Schwartz-Hamilton family at the Supreme Court in February 2012, a lifetime ago.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/fish-spa.jpgfish spaThe Dijon "fish spa" where piranha-like fish chew dead skin. Perhaps not the high point of French medicine.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/kepi.jpgkepiSandra refused to allow Harvey to buy this kepi, a French military hat, at a vide grenier, an "empty attic" sale. Once again, wisdom prevailed over silliness.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/levada.jpglevadaA "levada" walk on the hilly island of Madeira where we escaped French winter. These canals carry water from the mountains to farms and gardens and provide hiking trails throughout the island.2013-02-27T08:53:15+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/02/10/visit-to-a-nice-rhymes-with-peace-hospital/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/saucisson.jpgsaucissonHarvey, in the pompiers' ambulance, wrapped like a saucisson.2013-02-21T06:53:33+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/01/04/there-is-no-no-in-noel/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/queen.jpgqueenQueen Sandra won the galette de rois prize.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/new-years.jpgnew yearsNew Years Eve, eight wonderful hours at the table.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/buche.jpgbucheBûche de Noël, take our word for it, this doesn't taste like a yule log.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tante-airie.jpgTANTE AIRIETante Arie and Marion the ass at Montbeliard.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pink-dijon.jpgpink dijonDijon turned pink for the celebration of the newest tram line.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/montbeliard-marche.jpgmontbeliard marcheThere were 140 of these booths at the Montbeliard marche du Noel. If only we had scent-a-vision so you could breathe this in.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/oysters.jpgoystersOysters for Christmas are a new tradition for us. Harvey harvests oysters in Ipsqwich every month with an "r."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rep.jpgrepRep will lurk under our table when we have our galette du rois.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/too-much.jpgtoo muchThis is not the season for self-restraint. The sign in this Dijon chocolatierie says it all.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tram.jpgtram2013-02-01T16:49:50+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2013/01/03/crew-members-of-onabargeinfrance-com/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-03-at-12-39-29-pm.pngScreen Shot 2013-01-03 at 12.39.29 PMPeople have visited onabargeinfrance.com from these countries.2013-01-05T00:56:42+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/12/07/were-not-in-kansas-any-more-toto-or-ipswich-massachusetts/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/hoop-auxonne1.jpghoop auxonnehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bonaparte-bar.jpgbonaparte barBar Bonaparte.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pharmacy.jpgpharmacyPharmacy Bonaparte, nes pas.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/boulangerie1.jpgboulangerieOne of four boulangeries in town. Yesterday, in a truly Seinfeldian dilemna, the proprietress of Harvey's usual boulangerie spotted him walking past with a baguette already in hand. Her bonjour was a hint icy.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/menu-ecole-malmanche1.jpgMenu Ecole Malmanchehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/menu-ecole-malmanche-e1354880881306.jpgMenu Ecole MalmancheNot a restaurant, just the school lunch menuhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/hoop-auxonne.jpghoop auxonneHoop Doet Leven tied up in a marina near the River Saone.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/betting-bar.jpgbetting barOur hangout bar, referred to as the betting bar because you can bet on constantly-televized horse races.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/outdoor-market1.jpgoutdoor marketThe outdoor market selling clothing, matresses, chicken, pots and shoes.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/market.jpgmarketThe Friday covered market wehere we buy our cheese and veggies and wine and sausage. Between the free samples and the long conversations, it takes all morning.2013-01-02T15:48:11+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/11/26/i-love-auxonne-in-the-winter-when-it-drizzles/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/theatres-des-sens.jpgtheatres des sensHow could we refuse a restaurant with such a sensuous name?https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/flu-shots.jpgflu shotsOur self-administered flu vaccinations.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/stove.jpgstoveOur always-on heating stove, topped by dinner, surrounded by wet laundry.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/window.jpgwindowThe view from the galley window: our neighboring barges seen through raindrops.2012-12-15T04:12:16+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/11/20/shameless-commerce-department/2012-11-21T21:08:22+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/08/05/lunch-and-a-milion-sunflowers/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mustard.jpgmustardMustard on tap. Barkeep, I'll have a pint of your finest.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sunflowers.jpgsunflowersSunflowers, we stopped counting at 1,256,784.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/castle.jpgcastleChateuaneuf, the neighborhood castle. It was a long climb but we had lunch there one day and dinner the next. For those of you into Game of Thrones, this castle felt as if we were droppping in on Ned Stark.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/village.jpgvillageEvery village in the Bourgone has a church, at least three houses, and herds of white Charolais cattle.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/bottom-lock.jpgbottom lockAt the bottom of the lock there is nowhere to go but up. Sandra's jardin - what people call her "salade" - always gets comments.2012-11-08T19:38:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/11/07/some-gloating-allowed/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/la-monde.pngla Mondehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-07-at-4-36-30-pm1.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-07 at 4.36.30 PMhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-07-at-4-36-30-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-07 at 4.36.30 PM2012-11-29T02:43:47+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/10/21/the-fishing-lottery/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/au-revoir-batteau1.jpgau revoir batteauFather and son fishing. The last we heard as we motored by was a tiny voice repeating "au revoir le batteau, au revoir le batteau."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/umbrella.jpgumbrellaNot rain nor snow ... nothing deters the fishermen.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/platform.jpgplatformA fishing platform on the river side, displaying its official fishing platform permit number.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/au-revoir-batteau.jpgau revoir batteauFather and son. The last we heard passing them was a tiny voice repeating "au revoir le batteau, au revoir le batteau."https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fish-camp.jpgfish campFish camps are creative and elaborate.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/tent.jpgtentBare bones fishing: a tent, a wife, a baby and four fishing rods.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/handicap.jpghandicapA fishing platform with handicap access.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/leaf-peeping.jpgleaf peepingLeaf peeping French style. The vineyards turn red and gold in the Fall.2012-10-22T19:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/10/14/winters-closing-in/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/godin.jpgGodinThe Godin stove, our main source of heat, one drip of red diesel at a time.2015-12-08T17:12:38+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/10/07/politics-from-a-distant-perspective/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/radical.jpgradicalRadical chic - even the candidate of the radical left is hip and sophisticated, someone to share a pastis with.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/holland.jpghollandMessier Normale, President Francois Hollande, and Madame fairly normal.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/posters.jpgpostersFrench presidential candidates, a broad spectrum, within limits.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/romney.jpgromneyMitt phone home - yes, that word "extraterrestre," means what you think it does, as in ET phone home. This raises the issue of illegal aliens to a new level.2012-10-09T01:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/09/20/plan-b-for-the-winter/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/gray1.jpgGrayHere we are in the city of Gray on the River Saone. The tourist office lady was surprised to see a U.S. flag on an old barge and took our photo for their web site.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/gray.jpgGray2012-09-24T22:05:38+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/08/25/six-months-in-france-a-year-half-full-or-half-empty/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/the-wall.jpgthe wallAll along the watchtower - this half-mile-long fortress dominates the cliff above Besancon. Imagine spending the winter in that little watchtower looking out for the capital B Barbarians.2012-08-28T11:56:57+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/08/13/culture-clash/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/the-guys.jpgthe guysNoah and Abram in full lacrosse wear2012-08-14T00:40:49+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/08/05/dijon-yes-we-can-spare-some-grey-poupon/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/gargoyles1.jpggargoylesGargoyles - nobody you'd want to meet on a dark street.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/gargoyles.jpggargoylesGargoyles, nobody you'd want to meet on a dark street.2012-08-06T12:58:17+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/07/08/its-about-time/2012-07-29T19:39:49+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/06/22/masters-of-our-own-fete/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wood-building.jpgwood buildingJoigny, the new part of town.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/zz-top.jpgZZ TopWhat can we say. We missed this one.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mike-girl.jpgmike girlEverybody made music, even the youngest French scat singer.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/accordians.jpgaccordiansThe accordian ladies, triumphant over the rock band.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/joigny.jpgJoignyJoigny - the view from the wheelhouse of a medieval town on a hill.2012-06-22T22:07:27+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/06/13/on-vacation-or-not/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/sucre.jpgsucreThe box cover for holy candy, made by Benedictine nuns for 450 yearshttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/shoals.jpgshoalsOur favorite chart notation.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wide-barge.jpgwide bargeBarely room for a melon to fit between when this barge and our boat passed on a narrow canal.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/napoleons-bed.jpgnapoleons bedNapoleon's bed. He wouldn't find a matress to fit thgis at Matresses-R-Us.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/moret.jpgmoretMoret-sur-Loing. Napoleon slept here.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/fontainbleau.jpgfontainbleauFontainbleau, the modest home of France's not-s0-modest royalty.2019-03-09T05:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/06/01/well-always-have-paris/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/paris.jpgParisMotoring through Paris neighborhoods, like driving a boat down State Street in Boston.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/tunnel1.jpgtunnelMotoring through Paris neighborhoods, like driving a boat down State Street in Boston.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/tunnel.jpgtunnelThe French Underground, motoring under the Bastille and the streets of Paris.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/notre-dame.jpgNotre DameThat's Notre Dame Cathedral behind the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club burgee.2012-06-02T22:54:32+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/05/27/keeping-a-close-watch-on-the-market/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bikes.jpgbikesOne boulangery had the longest line. It had won the best baguette award in the region two years in a row. We bought two, and that was all we could stuff in our saddlebags.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/baby.jpgbabyThe marche' is a family adventure.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/crepe-woman.jpgcrepe womanMadam Crepe ... and her grandmother.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/red-dog.jpgred dogPeople provide the entertainment, and we - the etrangier - are part of the show.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cheese.jpgcheeseHow do you choose from a hundred different cheeses?https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fish.jpgfishSchools of fish swim through the marche'https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pigeon.jpgpigeonSome daily specials take more courage than others.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/roto-chicken.jpgroto-chickenThe roto-chicken man. We get three meals from one.2012-06-01T09:47:05+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/05/14/european-economic-secrets/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lunch-bus.jpglunch busThe rolling restaurant. Harvey had "Boston" pizza. Sandra had an omelette.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/crepes.jpgcrepesCrepes and Nutella, health food.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/line-dancing.jpgline dancing"Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy." Traditional French country music.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cheese-man.jpgcheese manThe Basque cheese man. We bought wild boar sausages from him, too.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/twilight-zone.jpgTwilight ZoneThis man sold us the enite filmography of Twilight Zone, black and white and Rod Serling. Does it get better than that? He thought so when he told us about the best night of his life watching Alice Cooper perform in London.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toys.jpgtoysToys pass on from one child to the next.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sandrine-herve.jpgSandrine-HerveSandra and Harvey met Sandrine and Herve'.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/brocant.jpgbrocantThe brocant, where evrything in France changes hands.2012-05-28T00:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/13/on-language-immersion-or-drowning-in-silent-letters/2012-12-18T04:26:02+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/17/the-wild-mooring/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/cows.jpgcowsCows cows cows, everywhere. Sandra makes buddies.2022-11-30T21:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/21/feeding-our-addiction/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ardennes.jpgArdennesMalmy, on the Canal des Ardennes. A thousand-year-old church, cows and milk.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/boar.jpgBoarThe farmers of Malmy, Sandra and the wild boar.2012-05-12T09:49:37+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/28/locks-without-bagels/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/peniche.jpgpenicheAn empty cargo peniche fills the locks with inches to spare. We're the small boat on the left.2012-05-17T20:38:06+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/29/it-isnt-all-bordeaux-and-croissants/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/windy-day.jpgwindy dayMarooned in the countryside. The yellow fields are rapeseed, from which canola oil is made.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/neighbor.jpgneighborWe woke to find a new neighbor, his bow just a meter from our bow. Just a young captain and a dog for crew.2012-05-12T09:46:31+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/05/05/floating-through-champagne/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pascal-himself.jpgpascal himselfChampagne Pascal Henin delivered by Pascal Henin himself, and son.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pascal-henin-bottle.jpgPascal Henin bottleA dozen bottle of Champagne Pascal Henin for Hoop Doet Levin's wine cellar (otherwise known as the bilge).https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/taittinger.jpgTaittinger72,272 bottles of Taittinger, just a bubble in the bucket of the 10 million bottles in the underground cave we toured.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/reims.jpgReimsBarging next to the motorway into downtown Reims.2012-05-12T09:45:01+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/05/08/stars-and-stripes/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hope-flag.jpghope-flaghttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/alone.jpgaloneFor some people, the war memorial was not just history, it had been their reality.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/flags.jpgflagsIt wasn't the U.S. Marine Band, and the men in steel helmets are the town's pompiers, the firemen, but it was from the heart.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bridge.jpgbridgeThe parade over the bridge.https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rake-man.jpgrake manThe man with the rake. He was eight years old when he watched General Patton cross the Marne.2012-05-12T09:43:07+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/07/disaster-and-recovery/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_2345.jpgIMG_2345https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_2342.jpgIMG_2342https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/madcookie.jpgmadcookieMadeleines, sort of like French Oreos but without the filling and with flavor2012-10-03T23:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/04/04/under-way-at-last/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dscn0026.jpgDSCN0026https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dscn0025.jpgDSCN0025Our VNF guardian angel shepherded us through our first day2012-04-06T01:25:19+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/03/28/ready-to-launch/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/toul-verdun-route.pngtoul-verdun routeOur route from Toul to Verdun, Week One on the road to Parishttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0017.jpgAft deckThe aft deck, with our new lawn and picnic tablehttps://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0007.jpgToul lockOur first lock at Toul2012-04-03T11:57:50+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/03/14/even-the-bad-times-are-good-times/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/screen-shot-2012-03-14-at-9-13-30-pm.pngIKEA2012-04-04T02:12:13+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/03/09/the-audacity-of-hoop/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0005.jpgToulHoop Doet Leven at Lorraine Marine in Toul, when we first arrived2013-07-30T03:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/02/16/life-in-three-piles/2012-02-16T19:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2012/02/01/the-bags-are-packed-sort-of/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/toul-paris.pngtoul-paris2018-07-07T20:08:36+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2011/11/01/how-do-you-drive-a-barge/https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_0642.jpgIMG_0642https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/imgp1528.jpgIMGP1528https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/imgp1522.jpgIMGP1522https://onabargeinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/imgp1435.jpgIMGP14352014-04-09T07:35:36+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2011/10/31/hello-world/2012-02-04T14:35:15+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.com/2011/11/01/the-schedule-a-slight-delay/2012-02-04T14:34:08+00:00monthlyhttps://onabargeinfrance.comdaily1.02022-12-23T17:47:13+00:00