My wife was invited to join my son's girlfriend on her trip to Europe. Of course, she couldn't turn down a trip to Europe, nor a chance to strengthen her relationship with someone important to our son, so she accepted.
Linda flew into Venice while I stayed home to take care of our farmstead business, putting the gardens to bed and our AirBnB rental turn over.
I flew to Paris 8 days later to meet up with them.
What a beautiful city. The architecture is magnificent. Nearly everyone has a little English and are far nicer than I had been lead to believe. We are staying in the Montmartre neighborhood and
Sacré-Cœur
is right outside the window of our apartment.
Walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg near the Louvre, we came across some sailboats for rent at a very reasonable €4 for 30 minutes. These little rentals have been a tradition at the Grand Bassin since 1927 and it is my understanding that they are the original hulls built by Clément Paudeau.
I just had to go for a sail.
I plunked down my €4 and picked the one with the blue sail. What a beauty.
I think I'll christen her 'Sanq'.
She had a few issues, but there was no end to the pleasures of sailing such a gorgeous classic vessel on a gusty day surrounded by the beauty and splendor of Paris.
I think she just needs a slight adjustment to her sail trim.
The jib especially had a little luff problem, but I also wanted to lift the boom a bit.
That meant tightening the halyard.
Afterall, it was important to maintain efficiency, as there be pirates about.
... and they were looking pretty smartly trimmed.
I managed to survive the encounter and returned to shore encouraged and invigorated.
I know one doesn't usually think of Paris when they think great sailing destinations, but let me just tell you...
-Will (Dragonfly)
Linda flew into Venice while I stayed home to take care of our farmstead business, putting the gardens to bed and our AirBnB rental turn over.
I flew to Paris 8 days later to meet up with them.
What a beautiful city. The architecture is magnificent. Nearly everyone has a little English and are far nicer than I had been lead to believe. We are staying in the Montmartre neighborhood and
Sacré-Cœur
is right outside the window of our apartment.
Walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg near the Louvre, we came across some sailboats for rent at a very reasonable €4 for 30 minutes. These little rentals have been a tradition at the Grand Bassin since 1927 and it is my understanding that they are the original hulls built by Clément Paudeau.
I just had to go for a sail.
I plunked down my €4 and picked the one with the blue sail. What a beauty.
I think I'll christen her 'Sanq'.
She had a few issues, but there was no end to the pleasures of sailing such a gorgeous classic vessel on a gusty day surrounded by the beauty and splendor of Paris.
I think she just needs a slight adjustment to her sail trim.
The jib especially had a little luff problem, but I also wanted to lift the boom a bit.
That meant tightening the halyard.
Afterall, it was important to maintain efficiency, as there be pirates about.
... and they were looking pretty smartly trimmed.
I managed to survive the encounter and returned to shore encouraged and invigorated.
I know one doesn't usually think of Paris when they think great sailing destinations, but let me just tell you...
-Will (Dragonfly)