We have just collected a package Poste Restaunte from La Poste in this town. Having letters and packets sent this way is very handy. Although also fraught with possible problems unless the package is addressed properly, and the person it is addressed too collects in person with confirmation details on email and passport.
Last night we attempted to moor at Chateau Thierry. What a lovely name, what an unattractive port. Although it was late, I just could not face it and longed for a quiet mooring, away from the heat and mooring next to children's play park. (We did not actually go into CT so I can't really dis the whole town, but the port for me was unattractive) We plodded on and eventually moored near lock Azy-sur-Marne which was delightful and no one else there - even better - such a sociable soul aren't I! Great views, occasional trains, the odd cyclist or family taking an evening stroll - just perfect.
The countryside near Azy is full of Champagne grape vines with forested hills and crops in the plain near the River Marne.
The hills bordering the River are great ampitheatres where the grapes are facing the full sun all day. This does not come out very well in the photo.
Some late Wisteria. We saw it in full bloom on Corfu in May. Julian passed Debbie and Kevin on Rangalli today whilst on the Marne near La Ferte sous Jouanne. He took some photos of Rangalli all but this one came out blank.
At Dormans, we bumped into Sharon and Stan who we crewed for when they first bought Encore. It was good to exchange news. Dormans is a convenient place to stop. You pay at the campsite 4.5 euros. The town has shops and a chateau which is also the tourist information. You can walk freely in the ground.
The mooring at Dormans. Here is Sharon and Stan exchanging places with us as they arrive and we leave.
In the grounds of the chateau at Dorman's there is a great church which is a memorial to those who died in the Marne area and surrounds in the First World War. This church that has been built as a memorial has a crypt that contains the remains of soldiers of all nationalities who died near here. A very evocative site in a beautiful setting.
I quite often get on my bike and cycle while Julian cruises, and on my travels I spotted these raised beds made of willow.
Typical countryside of villages, vines and forests in the Marne Valley. Every village has many Champagne houses.
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