Luciole Blog

18th - 24th September 2016

The Luciole has been heading towards Clamecy for the second last time of the season, it's absolutely astonishing how quickly it all passes. For Francisco, Andy and myself, us old boys that have been here since the start, it seems only a matter of weeks since we first set off from Auxerre all the way back in May. Despite how late in the season it is the elements seem to be continuously smiling on us as the weather is holding out wonderfully. We're fortunate to still be enjoying long sunny days and crisp, cool and clear evenings, the skies lit up by a plethora of stars.

We had on board with us this week a full boat of excellent and most amusing people, a mixed group of Americans and Australians, a very chatty bunch, brightening all our days with their ceaseless joking and boundless curiosity. This curiosity which led to Andy bringing along several bottles of Ratafia, a local fortified wine similar to Marc de Bourgogne. Served as an apperitif and created from the mulched grapes remaining from the production of wine, which are then fermented and blended with grape juice. This gives Ratafia a deliciously sweet flavour with an extremely potent kick! No wonder it was so popular!

Other happenings of the week include 89 year old Peter amazing everyone, including his wife Evelyn, with his distance walking skills, something he apparently hasn't done much of for many years. He did the whole walking tour around Auxerre with the rest of the group and hopped off at least once per day to keep pace with the boat while we navigated. On friday night during Captain's Dinner we celebrated the 23rd anniversary of Lisa and Denny with Cremant de Bourgogne and Jade's specially made Chocolate celebration cake. The night concluded for the gentlemen aboard with Hank's very kindly donated and absolutely enormous cigars out on the deck. A most fitting end to a very special week.