BLOG: Our daily adventures,
Week 64 : Sully-sur-Loire to Orleans
April 30th to May 6th 2024
- Day 443: April 30th 2024: kayaking down the Loire: Sully-sur-Loire to Les Boutrons - 13 km
Today, our power banks and phones were low on battery. Our solar panel couldn't charge properly our devices due to the lack of direct sunlight (That's an euphemism for dark clouds and heavy rain). We had just enough energy to take a few pictures of our camping spot in the evening.
Casey is the master chef while on our travels. Tonight he's preparing a thai curry chicken with the pre-marinated meat bought at the halal butcher shop yesterday: simply delicious!
We enjoyed our meal with a purple sunset.
13 km done for a total of 5580 + 13= 5593 km
- Day 444: May 1st 2024: kayaking down the Loire: Les Boutrons to Jargeau - 16 km
16 km done for a total of 5593 + 16= 5609 km
- Day 445: May 2nd 2024: kayaking down the Loire: Jargeau to Combleux - 16 km
Yesterday night was terrifying: spectacular lightnings, deafening thunders, and pouring rain. We were right in the center of a heavy storm. It made us feel like we've angered some vengeful gods who had find the best way to show their wrath. I kept worrying that the water level of the Loire would rise to the point of submerging our tent...I wasn't entirely wrong...When we woke up, the water had drastically risen and was now at only 2 metres away from our toes whereas it was at least 7 meters away from our tent when we had pitched it yesterday evening.
When collecting wood for our barbecuing evening yesterday, I had dragged a heavy log along the beach...the track is now underwater
A gray, cold and drizzling day is expecting us. Casey is lifting up our mood with a warm coffee.
We've decided to take a small break in Jargeau. We need to stock up food and find a place to charge our electronic devices which are necessary for navigation. But mainly, we need to find a place to warm up our bones.
We sat outside a little cafe, Maria, a grandmother-like gentle bartender agreed to plug our multiple devices and filled up our water bottles. And, perfect coincidence, since we had to wait, right opposite of us, we found again one of these public mini-library/books exchange boxes set up in a british?! old telephone booth this time. They had a few books on display. I chose a novel from Francoise Bourdin (probably out of pity for the author's difficult-to-bear last name). I even found a book to help Casey's effort to learn French: How to learn English in 90 days. It could probably do the job if used in reverse translation?
To get some courage before diving into the joys of the French language, Casey went in the neighbouring bakery to try his traditional pastry.Today: Eclair au nutella.
To get some courage before diving into the joys of the French language, Casey went in the neighbouring bakery to try his traditional pastry.Today: Eclair au nutella.
Casey is celebrating the simple joy of finding a camping spot which is somewhat protected from the rain. His feet might be set deep into the mud but he doesn't mind, here only a few drops can reach us! While paddling 16 km in the pouring rain, our only thought was "when can we jump back into our warm sleeping bags"
16 km done for a total of 5609 + 16= 5625 km
- Day 446: May 3rd 2024: kayaking down the Loire: Combleux to Orleans - 6 km
6 km done for a total of 5625 + 6= 5631 km
- Day 447 to 449: May 4th to May 6th 2024: kayaking down the Loire: Visiting Orleans - still a total of 5631 km
The majestic of cathedral of Sainte-croix in Orleans is especially decorated today for the Joan of Arc celebrations. Its stained glass windows are also a tribute to the virgin d'Orleans. They are telling the tale of Joan d'Arc who saved the city from the English in the 14th century. She is still celebrated nowadays and we happen to come by right on time to enjoy the festivities organized all around the city.
The Groslot house is one of the hallmark of the city. Its very colorful bricks facade and its regal elegant interior design has hosted many kings before becoming the city halk for a few centuries.
Joan of Arc, Orleans' savior, is found everywhere throughout the city in paintings, on stained glass windows, in street names and sculptures. Needless to say she has left a lasting impression! Everything revolves around her epic story.
We made a quick stop at the house where Joan of Arc stayed at when she took back Orleans from the English. Inside, a free movie projection explained the story of her life.
On sunday, a medieval market was organized for the celebration of Joan: a curious mix between this ancient time and our modern world...let's buy a sword with our smart phone, shall we?
One of the stall was selling rosted brioche rolled around a wooden cylindre: tempting!
The street arts are encouraged in the city. The taggers, who were in action in front of us, had just been invited for lunch by the nearby restaurant owner.
These simple mini mosaic by "Tag Lady" are found at almost every street corners: great idea.
Little visit of a ceramic art exhibit set in an old roman church.
The postman must laugh each time he is delivering mail in this street.
The streets of Orleans : a blend of limestone white elegant facades, brick houses, old medieval houses with their typical vertical carpentry, charming little shops
Still 5631 km so far.