Trip 7 Kms Departure 10am. Locks 2 of 88
The morning started badly, jacks was making the tea but announced that the gas had gone. I was expecting this but timing is never great. I got the emergency camping gaz grill out and so we still enjoyed our poached eggs baguettes and croissant, the skipper made a decision to move into charleville meziers. We hastily readied and after a little difficulty we got off the mooring and headed for the city. I had received confirmation that the parcel was still delivery economy and they were very sorry but Saturday or Monday still Best option.
We got through the 2 locks in the city and found a space on the halte nautique. I managed to duplicate my mooring manouvre of lumes but this time an elderly dutch chap wondered what in gods name i was doing in charge of a vessel.
The halte was in a lovely spot alongside a campsite and nestled under a beautiful walk bridge. Full facilities and showers, toilets, washrooms and a launderette shared with the exceptionally well maintained campsite. The girls were straight off to utilise and came back smelling oh so sweet. Steve made tea, the gas was magically back.
We strolled into town for a brief exploration. Collette and I sorted our iPad top up in the orange shop. The usual 45 minute affair where no one quite knows how to do the simplest thing allegedly. The town is lovely. Place ducale has been compared to the place du Vosges in Paris. Easy to see why with the Shopping arcades and pavillions and the beautiful uniform brick facades.
We left the girls to shop and headed off to get my first French gas bottle and regulator, some bits for the satellite set up, food for dinner, wine and beer. The big Carrefour was out of town and was a monster. I got my satellite bits and a gas regulator for butane on the basis of the fittings looking better than the propane one. Our recuperating patient had a terrible bout of indigestion when Steve and I announced that we had paid 26€ for a leg of lamb for tonight. He was still muttering under his breath as I paid a quite remarkable 28€ for a 13kg gas bottle including the price of the bottle. Had heard so many people say how expensive gas was in France well the truth is it is an absolute bargain compared to home.
Brian's indigestion got worse on the return to Doucette. As we surged back towards Charleville Stevie wonder smeds (glasses on the boat) took a late shout from his navigator. log shouted frammers,
His reactions were magnificent. The audi's tail slipped left as the bonnet screwed right, a flick of the wrist and Steve senna smeds had whipped us through a chicane at 85 mph as though it was a Sunday afternoon sightseeing tour. Superb driving, and there really had been a very large log lying right in the middle of the middle lane. Thank god we had no cars on our inside and Steve is so adept behind the wheel. Close shave but it took bri's mind off of the lamb.
Back at base we took abuse from the girls not over the lamb but we had forgotten the coke. Oops.
For dinner we had a cheese fondue night. 2 baked Camembert and a baked Brie with smoked sausages new potatoes, mushrooms, red peppers and crusty bread for dippers. Quite lovely with some nice red wine.
Bedtime Debate tonight was based on your favourite cake. Steve chose 18 types as co favourites.
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