Since this was the last day we'd be in the area, before the canicule sets in and we head for the hills, we decided to make the most of the moderate weather by going for a bike ride in a nearby forest, just south of Losne on the other side of the River Saone. We headed off in late morning, and eventually found the track leading from the back streets of Losne, heading through the fields to the forest.

Soon we reached the forest, and were glad to be out of the direct sun. We left our bikes at the side of the track and ventured deeper into the woods, until fallen trees blocked our path.

We had to be careful going too far off the path, since there were lots of nettles, and I was only wearing shorts and sandals. But along the way, we met up with some interesting creatures. This Spanish Slug was about the size of my finger.

We rode to the end of the forest, and were about to start the ride back, when we noticed on Google Maps that there was a lake nearby. So since we had brought a picnic lunch with us, we decided to go there for lunch. With the help of Google Maps we made our way along the small rural lanes and eventually arrived at the lake. Rita was disappointed that there were No Swimming signs everywhere, but at least we could have a relaxed lunch, along with the 20 swans on the lake.

As we were packing up our picnic items, we noticed something swimming in the lake, and closer inspection showed it to be a water snake. We then realised that we had seen another one while we were having lunch, and a couple of minutes later, we saw one swimming away from the bank only a couple of metres away from where we had been having a relaxing snooze after lunch. As they say, ignorance is bliss!

As we rode away from the lake, we saw an overflow barrage and went to inspect. There were numerous signs around saying No Swimming, and one saying that the lake was the property of the Solvay Chemical Plant, not far away on the Canal du Rhone au Rhin. Now we understood why there was no swimming, especially when we saw all the foam being created as the water tumbled over the barrage!

Since Rita had missed out on her swim at the lake, we decided to return to SJDL via the Saone and see if we could find her a swimming spot on the river. And no sooner had we rejoined the bike path along the river, we found a lovely spot completed with a little jetty. So she was soon changed and going for her swim.

When we got back to SJDL, we stopped for a drink at the cafe/bar on the Losne side of the river, which was a favourite with all the bike riders passing their door. The Losne side of the river also proved to be good spot for some shots of Saint Jean de Losne, including the bridge and the entrance to the marina and the lock to the Bourgogne Canal.

I was up early to listen to the AFL game between the Cats and the Hawks - a modern day rivalry ever since the 2008 Grand Final upset. Despite the Hawks' mediocre rebuilding season, they again managed to beat one of the better teams when they defeated the top-of-the-ladder Cats 85-61, giving themselves just a faint chance of still making the Final 8.

During a break in the game, I noticed a few starlings leave and then return to the trees on the marina island. Since I thought this might be a portent of things to come, I took my camera and stood at the wheelhouse door. And sure enough, within  a few minutes, the whole island erupted with a murmuration of starlings (thanks, Terry Laidler, for the collective noun).

After a while we continued our ride home, and we noticed a cow and her baby drinking from a water trough. This trough was sealed and had a pump on the top cover which was activated by sliding a control lever sideways, a trick that the mumma cow had mastered well. Since the calf was not yet tall enough to activate the lever, he just drank the water that spilled out of his mother's mouth. Clever cows!

After dinner, we heard the familar peeping sound at the side of the boat, and saw the swan family waiting for a treat. So we gave them what little bread we had left over, but not satisfied with that, the cygnets then decided they needed some greens from beside our boat. Boy, did they ever tuck into that!