Trip 18kms. Departure 9.30. Locks 13 of 447
We awoke on a different planet it seemed. It was windy and very very cold. The temperature drop was crazy. This business of booking in your start time the day before does put a little pressure on and with a rather late fall out of bed time, we were suddenly against the clock.
I dashed down for bread and almond croissants while Collette quickly hoovered and got the boat ready.
We locked at 9.05 with sweatshirts and hoodies back in vogue. At least it was dry. The first 11 locks are over a distance of just 5 Kms so it was in and out but with our student eclusiers on the ball and the crew in good form on the ropes, we fairly hammered through them.
A slow run to Pont royal as we would not make midday closing for the last lock just 200m from our overnight mooring. We drifted along very slowly and got the about 12.30. Gates open, we drift in. Eclusier straight out and closes gates. I am now undecided as to wether we might as well crack on and get through the next staircase of 15 locks. I tell him we may do this. He says ok I will go and finish my lunch to give you time to look at your books and decide. The lock is full and the gates are closed so the crew makes tea and I sit on the back studying maps. With that the heavens open and our decision is made. iPad forecast says rain all afternoon but dry tomorrow so it is a no brainer.
I hear a creak. Then a minute later another. What's that, I call to the crew as I look over the side to see if the fenders are caught. Instantly I realise and am horrified.
Get the knife, I shout
The boat is tied on the centre only thankfully. We have been in the lock for several minutes and thought we were secure waiting as the eclusier had not open the hatches. Water was clearly leaking out though and Doucette had been almost imperceptibly dropping. There was 7 tonne of boat hanging on the rope which was tied off round the centre cleat.
I desperately snatched at the rope end and somehow managed to heave it round the cleat despite it biting on itself. I made it absolutely in the nick of time. With a last heave, the rope cleared, Doucette dropped 2feet and the rope took the skin off my shin and burnt and blistered my little finger but we had got away with it. The cleat had the slightest bow in it. I didn't bare think of the consequences had it given when I was trying to free the rope.
A close shave indeed but all was well except for the now driving rain. The eclusier oblivious to our incident came out and opened up. We drifted out shouting 9am tomorrow.
Pont royal was pretty bare but a good stone quay with electric and water which we did not need to avail ourselves of so saved 6€.
We spent the rest of this rather grotty day vegetating before Collette decided on some homely winter food for dinner. She made very cheesy mash and topped a hot chilli with it. Baked in the oven, it was a real treat.
Had a 45 min catch up call from tone which cheered me immensely and we got to planning some journey logistics for our return home. Flying from orly is not the easiest on public transport but it all works in the end.
We planned an early night for a change but somehow it was still midnight before lights out.
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