Canoeing the Loiret

Everyone we have met in France has been extremely gracious and generous. We have been invited to so many people’s houses for food or drink that we have lost count. Admittedly, this is largely due to the children, through whom it is extremely easy to meet people.

The Willoquaux family – Matthias and Aurélie, with kiddos Emma, Simon and Samuel – have been very good friends this year, and not merely because Emma and Simon are among Molly and Betsy’s best school friends. The last time we were at their house (barbeque photo above), Matthias dragged out their boat, sort of a combination canoe/kayak. Here, he is piloting Molly, Emma, and Betsy through the thick algae that had grown along the Loiret river.

So it was that after nearly 11 months of living, walking, driving, and playing over and beside the Loiret, we finally found our way onto (and nearly into!) our little river. It helps that the Willoquauxs live along the Loiret, so the river is just across the path behind their house.