And so to Norway

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Yes, we have left the canals of France and arrived in Bergen last Monday night to start our few weeks of catching up with Chris, Hege and the girls Lilly and Stella. So neat to see them again so soon after being with them at Christmas. Pam and Warwick have been with us until last night when they left to start their journey home. We have had a magic time with them since joining up with them in England. We have talked and eaten, had a few drinks, walked for miles, stayed in some loverly places, survived torrential rain and very hot sunshine, taken hundreds of photos and seen some fantastic sights. It has been a fantastic time and we so enjoyed their company. Our canal trip was great and it is certainly a very relaxing way to see some country. I think that it's appeal comes from the easy style of life and the fact that you can't do much else but relax and watch the world go by. Having the bikes to get away from the canal and go to see some of the villages and chateaus and having the ability to ride to supermarkets and to get croissants for breakfast was great. One day I rode beside the boat for the whole day doing the locks as we went. Pam and Di would quite often jump on the bikes and ride for a while and in the evenings Warwick and I would sometimes cycle out to look around. A good time. So now we have our grandkid time and the first few days were spent trying to show as much of Bergen and its surounds to Pam and Warwick as possible. A bit rushed but we got through a lot and even managed some shopping time. Will catch up soon Pip/Rod

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Photos

A cuppa and a dog. Content!
A friend at a lock and a cup of tea. very content.

French practice.
A lock keeper practices her English as we wait for the lock to empty.

Auxerre.
sitting on deck looking at this. what more can I say.

shopping.
A bit of a hit or miss exercise in buying the right things but a fun experience. pam and Di at the supermarket.

Wine fields.
Warwick shows me the ins and outs of the grape vines. A beautiful setting up on the hills above Auxerre.

Bringing home the goods.
Torrential rain didnt stop Warwick and Pam from bringing in the food.

Churches
Fantastic sitting here just looking at this, with wine and nibbles in hand.