While we prepare to descend in the lock at Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre we see the town Sancerre in the background on a hill. Sancerre is likely the most famous of the vintages of the Loire valley.

It is a good place to tell the story of lock 36. After we enter the lock we notice to our delight that two man are working to close the locks. One must be the lockkeeper and the other seems to be his helpful assistant. As the doors are closed he comes and asks if we are interested in buying some wine from the region. As our white and rose supply is severely depleted after having had guests for many weeks I tell him "yes, I am interested". So he asks me if I want to come and taste ... well I can not just leave AvantiB tied up in a lock while the lock is emptying. Betty up front wonders anyway what is going on. So I tell him no I can't leave and come and taste, but I would be interested in buying.

Betty looks even more puzzled when the man starts carrying a few cases of white and rose Sancerre from his cellar towards the wheelhouse. So the 11 minutes in the lock were time well spend to also do some serious shopping. When the lower doors open the transaction is done and we cast off.