Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
From Paris to Combreux
Arrive Paris July 24, 7:35am ... Drive from CDG airport to the small village of Combreux, approx 50km east and north of Orleans.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Water Power - Cotton - Tea -Trade
"Back in the Day" In and around Lowell and Billerica, rivers and canals provided; transportation corridors and power for most of the "Mill" industries.
On Tuesday evening, a picture perfect day, we visited the Boott Mill museum.
The Boott Cotton Mill museum in Lowell.........
is a great example of preserved heritage of a mid 1800's cotton mill. With 1920's vintage looms in operation. powered by the waters of the Merrimack. In the museum there are many references and examples of the intermingled Tea and Cotton trade. We lucked out and got in just before closing, managed a one one with the folks running the machines and got some samples off the working looms.
One of the main beams (Scarf Joint)
Some tea stuff from the China trade days
In Billerica, the Concord river via the Middlesex Canal provided access and power to the Faukner Mills circa 1850's (this picture from the Canal Association)
I just got down to the mill pond as light was fading (and my camera battery)
Main building
Water flows over the weir to power the mill operations.
On Tuesday evening, a picture perfect day, we visited the Boott Mill museum.
The Boott Cotton Mill museum in Lowell.........
is a great example of preserved heritage of a mid 1800's cotton mill. With 1920's vintage looms in operation. powered by the waters of the Merrimack. In the museum there are many references and examples of the intermingled Tea and Cotton trade. We lucked out and got in just before closing, managed a one one with the folks running the machines and got some samples off the working looms.
One of the main beams (Scarf Joint)
Some tea stuff from the China trade days
In Billerica, the Concord river via the Middlesex Canal provided access and power to the Faukner Mills circa 1850's (this picture from the Canal Association)
I just got down to the mill pond as light was fading (and my camera battery)
Main building
Water flows over the weir to power the mill operations.
Boston and points north
About 1+ hour drive north of Boston, the towns of Lowell and Billerica.
Driving along the banks of the Merrimack river as it winds its way through Lowell is a nice way to spend the twilight hours. From picturesque to industrial reclamation, and most of everything in between.
I found a Chinese restaurant in Lowell, no big deal, BUT it was a Hunan Restaurant. Good food, a nice family run business .. in a Not so nice neighborhood. I was advised NOT to be around when its dark. Point taken.
I found a Chinese restaurant in Lowell, no big deal, BUT it was a Hunan Restaurant. Good food, a nice family run business .. in a Not so nice neighborhood. I was advised NOT to be around when its dark. Point taken.
Combreux Village
1 Church, 1 Inn, 2 Restaurants, 1 Château, 1 village hall and a handful of homes.
Aerial view: main road running N-S. Château complete with moat. Church and Hotel on the south side of the canal. 
Pictures from around the village: View looking over the wall next to the road
Back of the Château facing the canal. 
Locals tell stories that this entry door facilitated many a tryst! !!
There is a great pathway that runs along the south bank of the canal
To the East:..................
and the West, view from the road bridge:...........
As you head south out of the village looking north
Last home as you leave the village
Now its just open fields
2CV Rental car (deux chevaux vapeur), parked at the village hall.
Enjoy some idyllic scenes 
Ye-Olde Wishing Well (Souhait bien? Puits aux voeux?) better check the translation.
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