20th August La Roche Bernard

We have been in La Roche Bernard 6 days. It is very pretty here and I can see why people arrive on their way somewhere and then forget that they were not staying and wake up years later still here. Anchorages abound but we were offered  a deal and as we wanted to explore we accepted. The town is steeped in history and the locals make sure you have all the information you need to wander around town to pick out the ancient buildings. Bernard was King Bernard the second. The town was protestant at one time like many in the area and suffered as a consequence. It was also held by the Vikings at one time and the Normans. The river is really picturesque and navigable to Redon by yachts after which canal boats can enter the French canal system and go to lots of places including St. Malo.
We have had adventures in the dinghy and been up to the next little harbour called Foleux but Redon is too far to go on a dinghy trip. It took an hour to Foleux but only half an hour back as we came back fast!!! There are several really nice swimming spots and every one seems to spend time on the water in anything that floats.
Phil had great fun one morning laughing fit to burst at a group of 5 year olds learning to sail they were all very good except for Alain. The instructor spent the whole hour shouting 'Alain this' and 'Alain that' and his antics were so funny.Just not interested or paying attention. 'Attention Alain'!!!

Tinies learning to sail. Where is Alain?
Somewhere else! 

Fabulous cloud formations

Scenery up the river.

A Nauticat at anchor with a rope attached to a flimsy pontoon.

Phil in Foleux on my 63rd birthdayAdd caption

Me

One of the road bridges across the Villaine above La Roche

I became a whole year older this week and was allowed an adventure in the dinghy for my present and dinner out on an evening and venue of my choice. The little bar where we have a coffee or a drink also decided to celebrate with me by having a performance by a rock band. They were called Atomique de Luxe. We went along for  a laugh but they were very good. When we asked this morning where they were from we were told Liege in Belgium. Well they did seem very professional and had a following and on reflection apart from the drummer they were huge and didn't look French at all. All the songs were sung in English and the bits in between in French.

More sky

Beautiful flower displays in town.

The Roche Bernard and our bar.

The old harbour.

One evening we had the most wonderful sky. It looked like fireworks.
We are meant to go to La Trinite sur Mer on Monday but orages are forecast so may just go to Arzal and wait by the lock till Tuesday.
Phil is already planing his next boat when we are too old and past it to sail.Its called a small dutch barge up and down the canals and the river here.