Back At It - Can't Let Any Grass Grow Under Your Feet

After a brief but very busy time at home, we are back on the road - or more specifically - on the water. 

We arrived in Strasbourg France on Wednesday and today we leave for a canal boat trip on the Rhine River.   This trip is a long time coming, with multiple arrangements requiring quite a bit of advance planning.  We are travelling with friends; two other couples are on the boat with us. 

Basically, we have rented a good sized boat and will drive (sail?) it ourselves.  We can go where we want, when we want.  Within reason.

This is in the historic Alsace (pronounced All-Sauce) region of northeastern France, with rolling hills, vineyards, green forests, and quaint villages.  We will be on the boat for a week.   So far the weather has been crisp and sunny, but the climate is similar to Oregon so anything can happen.  

Our first stop has been the city of Strasbourg, not far from the German border.  In fact, over the centuries this town has changed hands many times so it is kind of blend between the two countries, with a larger influence from France. 

We've spent the day and a half connecting everyone together and getting supplies and making arrangements.  We also explored the very interesting city of Strasbourg.   

There is a magnificent cathedral here that for 227 years, was the tallest building in the world.  Inside, among the amazing religious icons, is an amazing astronomical clock built a hundred fifty years ago.  It still works and keeps time to within a couple  seconds a year even today.  It's a work of genius. 

This picture shows the clock on the left and an  apostle who is looking away ... seemingly unimpressed.  

My hope among other things to visit a couple of the wineries in the area, and enjoy the culture of this well known part of Europe.  It is the home of Gewurztraminer wine, a variety that I produce at my wine business.  

There are a couple other goals.  I achieved one already:
The food here is unique and yesterday I had a first for me - I ate some snails - known as escargot (ess-car-go).   Not too bad really. 

Here we are in a local Alsatian restaurant.