Day 19 5 August

Simon up early this morning and had the opportunity to watch the captain skilfully navigate the boat through a lock.  It was a beautiful morning, fog gradually lifting, sun beginning to rise.  It was so peaceful and calm except for the evidence of 6 vapour trails in the sky.  He spent some time with the captain as he described what was happening as the water went out and came in.  We went through 4 locks during the day.

We joined a walking party and with a guide climbed to the castle ruins of Richard the lionheart, Chateau Gaillard.  We heard many stories of the history of those times, the interactions of the English and the French and of course the cruel tactics practised.  We are docked at Les Andelys, a little village on the River Seine.  The Seine flows through the city of Rouen. We docked there at 5 this afternoon. We are here for two days.  Tomorrow we bus to Normandy to explore D-Day.  We will look at the beaches, the cemeteries and evidence of war.  We have elected to go those the Bayieux Tapestries so hope we enjoy this as we had to choose between that and the Museum.

This afternoon we rested on deck and enjoyed the scenery as we passed through interesting countryside.  What a life!

Tonight we had the Captain's dinner and enjoyed a concert, highly skilled young Russian and Roumanian musicians.  They play both classical and modern music.  Very impressive.  So it's to bed  now as we have an early start in the  morning.  We are well and coping with this new experience.  We have met some nice people too.  Will be in touch after our very full day tomorrow.  Love to all.