Yes, with the boat on the hard I have not posted in a bit but now we are planning for the coming year and a continuation of the voyage through life.  Oh God, is that too philosophical or what??  Well here is the news...

Eau de Vie is still in its cocoon for the winter and will not likely emerge until mid April.  This is because I pulled it earlier than I had wanted to because of Hurricane Sandy and there are now rows of boats behind her.  Plans for the year are coming together, although not along the originally hoped for path.  I had wanted to do the ARC Europe but the only 2 boats listed are a racing boat that is described as "Spartan inside to say the least" and the other whose captain extols his virtues in an email and asks for 350 Euro deposit with another 500 due on arrival at the boat but gets the first leg of the trip wrong by saying twice that it is to the Bahamas instead of Bermuda.  Be afraid, be very afraid.

It now looks like we will be able to participate in the Corinthian Spring Cruise in May as the alternative.  This will be followed in June by a cruise with the Little Ship Club on the River Lot in France.  Barbara is really excited about this, in particular the opportunity to see real Cave Paintings!  Here is the overview...

The River Lot has been chosen because of its:

• dramatic scenery
• magnificent prehistoric cave paintings
• lots of sight-seeing en route
• renowned for its wildlife, particularly birds
• swimming
• canoeing
• fishing
• delicious local food and wine.

DAY 1

Pick up boats in Douelle and make our way up-river to Cahors

DAY 2
Morning - Cahors market, the biggest and best in the area
Afternoon - explore Cahors - Valentre Bridge, Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle, the old town, Cathedral, museums, secret gardens
Evening - wine-tasting followed by first rally meal, featuring local specialities

DAY 3
Up-river, exploring the riverside villages, all with beautiful scenery that get increasingly dramatic, including:
    Arcambal - a brewery, ancient mill, 14th century chateau
    Vers - well-known art gallery, remains of aqueduct, cascades
    St Gery - great for bird-watching
    Bouzies - tow paths carved into the limestone cliffs, canoeing in River Cele (tributary of Lot)

DAY 4
Continue up-river arriving at St Cirq Lapopie in the afternoon
It is one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages' and is perched spectacularly on top of the cliff overlooking the river, with stunning views
Pontoon party

DAY 5
Morning - visit caves of Pech Merle with prehistoric cave paintings - unlike the more famous ones at Lascaux you see the originals, some of them 25,000 years old
Afternoon - look round St Cirq Lapopie - lots of crafts and galleries as well as the amazing views

DAYS 6 and 7
Back down-river past Cahors and Douelle, to Luzech

DAY 8
Back up-river to Parnac - visit to vineyard
Then back to Douelle
Final rally meal in Douelle
Leave boats 9.00 am next morning

This makes the 4th sailing with our friends of the Little Ship Club and we have had such fun that I have decided to become a member.

We are looking forward to the year ahead