Saturday, September 3.

Morning tour began with a bus ride to nearly the top of famous hill, where a tired old crusader lived as a hermit. Hence came Hermitage, one of the more famous wine areas along the Rhone River. Walked up to the little chapel near the top (just below an ugly microwave tower), then began descending through the vineyard. Our guide was very entertaining, sharing facts, stories and jokes. Though hot, a nice walk. A woman in a group ahead of us decided she wanted to beat her own path down (“I want to go THIS way!”) , but was called back. Americans, what are you gonna do? Ended at a winery. Had another briefing on how to taste wine. France serves one ounce pours, barely enough for a serious attempt to evaluate the wine. Three wines, two pieces of chocolate. A visit to a very large shop follow.

Next was a well-regarded and crowded chocolate shop. Enjoyed a leisurely walk back to the ship, including crossing a reproduction of the first cable suspension bridge. The original had to be demolished because it was too low. Nearby is a statue of the designer of the original (Marc Seguin). Guide claimed that during the demolition, the town blindfolded the statue so he couldn’t watch.

The afternoon was spent cruising down the river. Bikers on the accompanying trail went faster than the boat. Passed a nuke power plant. Several locks, none remotely as high as the ones in Portugal.

The boat’s scheduled evening docking at a quaint and entertaining town was scrubbed due to lock problems, Moreover, the morning tours in Arles was altered to begin with a bus ride to Arles from Avignon, while the boat caught up. Late at night I was up for a call of nature and glanced out the window. We were passing a four-stack nuke plant. I got a very nice photo. The secret to great photos is being there.