The Captain And The Probie
The fog scuttled along the canal highlighting the morning sun and the country quiet. It was early morning at Artaix, it was day 3 aboard the barge Festina Tarde. A lone fisherman was hunched over his pole across the lagoon.
Like two punch drunk fighters, we alighted from the Boston/Paris redeye, found the rail connection and headed south to Roanne. Jim and Mary Neil met us at the RR station and whisked us to the Bateau Festina Tarde.
Lest one get an impression of rustic and bare bones boat accommodations; the Festina Tarde is a 75 foot Dutch barge with two en suite staterooms, king size beds, full kitchen, dining room, living room, and enough wine on board to toast every fireman that ever lived. Twice.
Sometimes in the afternoon our stateroom could get a little warm, so the Wally Quinn Nap Ventilation System was utilized. This is a complex HVAC platform of open portholes and multiple oscillating fans. Wally and Sue know nautical comfort.
On board we had a light lunch, heavy conversation, a three hour nap and then an evening that included dinner and a visit to another barge for a boating party and a domino game called Mexican Train. This game is as vicious and provocative as firehouse Pedro.
Day two found us at the Chateau de Champlong for a lunch that included seven courses with special wine selections and even a pre dessert course that is now a must for me. Life without a pre dessert course would be just too meager and minimalist. I am sure you agree, every Daywatchman should get on board the Predessert course.
Like two punch drunk fighters, we alighted from the Boston/Paris redeye, found the rail connection and headed south to Roanne. Jim and Mary Neil met us at the RR station and whisked us to the Bateau Festina Tarde.
Lest one get an impression of rustic and bare bones boat accommodations; the Festina Tarde is a 75 foot Dutch barge with two en suite staterooms, king size beds, full kitchen, dining room, living room, and enough wine on board to toast every fireman that ever lived. Twice.
Sometimes in the afternoon our stateroom could get a little warm, so the Wally Quinn Nap Ventilation System was utilized. This is a complex HVAC platform of open portholes and multiple oscillating fans. Wally and Sue know nautical comfort.
On board we had a light lunch, heavy conversation, a three hour nap and then an evening that included dinner and a visit to another barge for a boating party and a domino game called Mexican Train. This game is as vicious and provocative as firehouse Pedro.
Day two found us at the Chateau de Champlong for a lunch that included seven courses with special wine selections and even a pre dessert course that is now a must for me. Life without a pre dessert course would be just too meager and minimalist. I am sure you agree, every Daywatchman should get on board the Predessert course.
posted by Jim Healy | 5:50 AM
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