Wednesday 19th September Laroche St Cydroine to Joigny

Trip Departure 10. locks

after a boulangerie run we enjoyed Tea and toast and croissants before a gentle ten o'clock departure. As is statutory it seems, just as I started the engines another cruiser appeared round the bend and so it was I followed him toward the first of the 3 locks. I had tried to contact the eclusier on VHF with no joy. This was the first canal where it is very necessary to do this. In your own interests to be fair as the locks are not deep but massive in length and width to accommodate large pusher peniches, not that we had seen a single commercial. Thus they take a long time to fill and empty so Pre warning of your approach 10 to 15 minutes prior is sensible.

Inevitably, as we approached I spotted a hireboat far off on the other side of the lock. It was empty and so we were in for a wait. Engines off, I let Doucette drift very slowly, it was a stunning morning so no worries. The boat was soon nestled and I noted it lifting when I spotted a second vessel far off on the other side. I was dismayed to note the lock keeper leap into action. He aborted the fill, emptied again and waited for the second vessel. And so it was that 40minutes after leaving our mooring, we entered the lock just a 300 metres away.

The second lock was ready and waiting. We followed our company straight in and all was good. I spied a large private cruiser approaching the lock just As the lock gates started to open for us. We all watched aghast as he clearly was not stopping and came hurtling straight toward the lock. It was the most incredible lock incident we had witnessed on the whole trip. He had to see we were bow on surely and had just come through.

The eclusier watched mouth agape and seemed mesmerised until suddenly he started waving frantically and literally started jumping up and down apoplectic. The poor helmsmen on the incoming boat obviously realized his folly and in attempting to emergency stop, managed only to slam his stern into the bank before regaining control and slipping back giving us room to slip by. I offered a cheery wave on passing which was returned a tad sheepishly. I felt for the chap even though he was a plonker.

We pushed on into Joigny following the linsen at a pedestrian crawl, it was an impressive looking place.

Happy with the lovely weather and scenery, we were content to stay behind him despite a speed limit of 15kms per hour which would have made passing easy. It turned out to be a bad decision as of course the linsen took the last free mooring and so we found ourselves nestled on a finger pontoon in the Le boat marina. Close to this delightful hillside town, we had a great view and all facilities. We got chatting with the neighbours and missed the market.

We had a stroll into town. Brilliant medieval village, tiny narrow streets,

4 churches and a chateau and backed by vineyards

Loved it and we looked forward to welcoming Fred and Zoe tomorrow. Know they would love this door knocker.

We cycled to the industrial zone and found a huge intermarche for provisions. Stocked up on merlot, gin and rum. Lovely sunset as we settled into the evening.

 

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