26th October - 5th November 2016. Back in the port of Roanne, for bridge, stitch and bitch, happy hour and walks by the River Loire.

On into Roanne lock.

As we go on out into the port, we feel as though we have come home!

Looking to the left, the port looks as full as ever.

We have been given the same place as last year, on the port visitor mooring. It is very good for Shannon, as she has her own private fenced garden!
That same afternoon, we went to the Roanne Bridge Club, where it was nice to see all of our French friends again.

Cedric arrived by The Puzzler very soon for his piece of apple.

Shannon was delighted to see him again.
On Wednesday I went to Stitch and Bitch which, of course, is ladies only and again, it was good to catch up with everyone. We continued to do this at L'Authentique Happy Hour on Thursday. There are a lot of new people in the port, so we started to learn the new faces, and who is on which boat.

The circus arrived in town on Wednesday, and is on the car park at the far end of the port.

We went to the show on Friday, not having been to a circus with wild animals for many, many years.

The animals were well cared for, and seemed to be quite happy. However, the magician was amazing! It is said that seeing is believing, but what we saw him do, with ladies in and out of his cabinet, was just not credible!

Meanwhile, by the river Loire, the VNF men have found a large slice of a tree trunk, and have managed to pull it out, before it reached the HEP area, which is just beyond this bridge.

The River Loire looks as good as ever.

Further on, the stepping stones are clear of the stream today.