Saturday 26th May Piñon to Bourg et Comin

Trip 23 Kms Departure 9.30. Locks 8 of 40 weather Super scorcher

The planned early start was scuppered by a crazily French 8.45 opening time for Carrefour. Bourg et Comin offers electric, we need a charge and good place to investigate solenoid issue.

A good shopping expedition, bought some more oil although the stbd level seems to be holding now. I could not be that lucky that the leak seals itself so more oil and keep a close eye on things.

First issue was the shock of an approaching peniche, not a problem but at this point it looked seriously narrow and he was fully laden. Pas de problem, We passed with a fag paper or two to spare.

It was another delightful journey

The highlight of the trip was a safe entry and exit of the 2.4 km Braye tunnel. A true engineering feat and although having done it before it still is a wondrous thing to travel that far through a mountain on your boat with water constantly dripping through the ceiling from all that rock above you. Impressive, took about 25 minutes to make the passage. Lighting is pretty good so no great dramas.

Arrival at Bourg et Comin was dissappointing the pontoon was filled by kiwi flagged barge, uk cowes marked ex hire craft but a big one and a tiny French yacht looked like it had Lived there a very long time. No movement from the boats so I nestled alongside the cowes bungalow.

I was forced into finally sorting out a splitter but this meant breaking my French 2 pin connector but I was not worried as had not used it now in 2 years trips. Whilst labouring, Peter, a proper accented kiwi emerged from the bowels of his impressive barge and immediately offered help and suggest I split his power. I told him of my starter problem and he said he was happy to help with any problems I had. I politely refused explaining how that could take years!

Cowes bungalow returned, a ringer for johnny marsden (cousin in law). Mike was a star, he was a Ryde man but treasurer of a cowes syndicate who had bought the bungalow 7 years earlier. He had arrived 3 days earlier for a 3 week vacation. He had discovered a bilge full of diesel and had so far spent 3 days getting to. Grips with a seriously major issue. The tanks were leaking. He had just returned from the nearest large town fremes armed with several fuel cans to decant into and dispose of the ruined fuel. Despite all this he immediately offered to drive me anywhere in an effort to source any new parts.

He spent all evening on the phone relaying the latest to fellow syndicate members and organising some cowes based experts to come out to replace the tanks. Not much of a vacation.

Mike was a top man!

We charged everything that moved and place dan emergency call to smeds. As ever the genius stopped me from stripping the solenoid and diagnosed the problem. A few quick checks confirmed I needs a new Pre solenoid relay. Peter and mike confirmed nearest auto parts shop is at rethel 50 Kms away and Sunday tomorrow and bank holiday Monday so we sunbathed and prepared to celebrate Zoe's birthday which we were sadly missing.

We slaughtered a huge portion of prawns and avocado with a chorizo, leek and potatoe tortilla and toasted her with a bottle of bubbly, but were sad not to be there to chink glasses with her.

Weather yet another roaster. Can this last forever please!