Les Andelys/Rouen -Thursday, 22 June 2017

We sailed through the last lock last night just in time to make our way to Rouen. The crew had received word that there was going to be a strike, so in order to be able to visit the Chateau Gaillard and keep on the itinerary, we needed to make it through the lock.

Tough loss (4-3) to Milwaukee last night. It’s a shame that Trevor Williams didn’t get any offense behind him.

This morning we left the ship around 9 and went by coach to the outskirts of the village of Les Andelys. It was a bit fortuitous that instead of hiking up to Chateau Gaillard, we were able to start at the top of the hill and work our way down. 

Chateau Gaillard was a fortress built by Richard the Lionheart to guard his Norman lands  against Phillipe Auguste. From its location it appears to be almost impenetrable. The castle was completed fairly quickly in a bit more than a year in 1198. Richard remarked about it, "Behold, how fair is this year-old daughter of mine!” He was not able to enjoy the castle for long since he died in 1199. 

The village of Les Andelys is anchored by the Saint Sauveur church. It is a small Gothic church, with statuary dating to the 13th century. The organ is from the 17th century.

We went back to the ship for lunch. Today we had:

French Haricot Bean Soup

Croque Monsieur

Peach Melba


It was a leisurely afternoon aboard the ship. Caught up on some blogging and then attended a navigational lecture by the Captain. Our captain is one of the most personable men. He started sailing at age 14 and has worked his way to commanding his own ship at the age of 35.

And after cocktail hour it was time to eat AGAIN. Tonight was:

Chicken Caesar Salad

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Pork Wellington

Home Made Lemon Pie.

The evening’s entertainment was Evelyne and her cabaret music. It was an ok show with some good songs, sung by an over-the-hill vocalist who really needs to update her wardrobe with clothes that fit.

At 10:40 we gathered in the lobby for a short walk into the center of Rouen and the cathedral for the light and sound spectacular. I cannot describe in any amount of words that would do this show any justice. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Lights are projected on the face of the cathedral that tell the story of France, the soul of its people and the hope for future generations. It was truly amazing.

Back to the ship about 11:30 and to bed.