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.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Wednesday 6th June Lumes
Awoke early but decided to breakfast before removing all the flooring to get at starter. A very hearty breakfast enjoyed by all and the girls asked for a girlie day chilling and painting nails and yucky stuff like that. The boys went off to Pont Le Bar. We arrived at lunchtime. Boatyard and chandlery closed. We meet a couple who have wintered there Catalan 9 m here paying just 900 euros for 9 months including lift out and in. They wax lyrical about cedric who owns the yard and the hire fleet which operates out of here. We shelter in a lav from a sudden downpour and them meet an old boy who hails from Hampshire and knows gosport very well. Boy could he talk, but nice old salt. Cedric appeared, very decent chap. He could get me a new starter tomorrow for 376 €. Bit steep but it was a brand new. The deal is declined. He gives us the address of a place in charleville meziers and says if we want him to order give him a ring. A thoroughly nice bloke we decide and not ripping us off, but I fancy a cheaper option.
Our driver is superb as he takes us straight to the aforementioned store but alas, no luck. We stop off at lidls and stock up on vittals before returning to Doucette and the newly painted ladies. Lovely they all looked too.
I concentrated on trying to order the starter on the Internet. I tried calling the company and got through to Christophe. Half way through I was cut off, credit on the phone out. I tried a different phone. 08 number so English phones no good. I am now screaming. I cannot buy direct as you have to register an address in France. Argh. I set off for the telephone box armed with loads of coins. It's card only and says French credit card. Argh argh! I try mine and yes it works. After a difficult call the starter is being delivered to a French post office in charleville meziers. Christophe will email me all the details. I get back a little harassed and the girls have been to the shops.
I check the emails to find that the starter is being delivered econ not express as I had asked. Argh! I email but it is now past 6pm delivery Saturday or Monday argh argh argh!!!
Lumes have a big footy match which is taking place right next to us. The guys go for a stroll while I have a tidy and de stress. The guys return. Lumes lose and the tosser number 5 sits in the center circle for 20 mins after the game disconsolate. The standard was crap! We start fishing and drinking. Smeds announces he is gonna get smashed. One hour later, Steve is smashed. The girls produce a cracking spag bol and we have a fab night jacks gets sizzled on the bubbly and our chanteuse delights us and neighbouring crews with her own concert. The now routine bedtime evening debate centres on bri and missing nuts. The skipper is a worried man as he tries to settle in his nest.
Our driver is superb as he takes us straight to the aforementioned store but alas, no luck. We stop off at lidls and stock up on vittals before returning to Doucette and the newly painted ladies. Lovely they all looked too.
I concentrated on trying to order the starter on the Internet. I tried calling the company and got through to Christophe. Half way through I was cut off, credit on the phone out. I tried a different phone. 08 number so English phones no good. I am now screaming. I cannot buy direct as you have to register an address in France. Argh. I set off for the telephone box armed with loads of coins. It's card only and says French credit card. Argh argh! I try mine and yes it works. After a difficult call the starter is being delivered to a French post office in charleville meziers. Christophe will email me all the details. I get back a little harassed and the girls have been to the shops.
I check the emails to find that the starter is being delivered econ not express as I had asked. Argh! I email but it is now past 6pm delivery Saturday or Monday argh argh argh!!!
Lumes have a big footy match which is taking place right next to us. The guys go for a stroll while I have a tidy and de stress. The guys return. Lumes lose and the tosser number 5 sits in the center circle for 20 mins after the game disconsolate. The standard was crap! We start fishing and drinking. Smeds announces he is gonna get smashed. One hour later, Steve is smashed. The girls produce a cracking spag bol and we have a fab night jacks gets sizzled on the bubbly and our chanteuse delights us and neighbouring crews with her own concert. The now routine bedtime evening debate centres on bri and missing nuts. The skipper is a worried man as he tries to settle in his nest.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Tuesday 5th June La Cassine to Lumes
Trip 27kms Departure 12.30 Locks 6 of 86
Two very large asperges were missing this morning. I could tell from the smile on their faces who was responsible. Following a good telling off from the horrified skipper the naughty girls returned the missing stalks amidst much smutty giggling. The skipper displayed his displeasure at his tips being tinkered with but Was interrupted by the incredible sight of one of our Dutch neighbours departing to enter the lock. We watched in slow motion fascination as he moved inexhorably toward the bridged entrance to the lock. He was going to stop and take down his beautiful wooden masthead wasn't he? It was 6ft in front of his eyes, the bridge was seriously low,
he was going to stop wasn't he? It was impossible, he was staring straight at his mast and the bridge now yards away. Steve and I both stifled a cry as the excruciating snapping noise and flailing wire stays answered us. He did not stop! Absolutely staggering. I so felt for him as he picked up the splintered remains of that beautiful highly polished mast. A sad start to the day and i am not sure his wife was going to talk to him much today.
After a hearty breakfast of cereals, fruit yoghurt and honey and omelette and baguette, and blessed with a lovely sunny morning, we made plans for the day. This consisted of Steve and I taking the car and 2 fold up bikes half way to Pont Bar our potential night stopover while Brian fished and began his rigerous recuperation regime. Collette was tasked with buying another dozen eggs from the lockkeeper.
The car was safely parked at a small town called omnicourt and we had a gorgeous 10 km cycle back to La Cassine. The dead cow had not moved. Collette had not yet gone to get the eggs. I refused to go and told her to go and try some French. She was so scared yet so capable. She returned laughing nervously. A yacht had entered the lock and the owner had jumped straight off and was at the door as she arrived. He had the last dozen. The skipper was not dumbfounded!
We set off in bright sunshine and Framlar took the helm. First obstacle was getting used to low bridges, Bri showed a confident demeanor as we hurtled straight through without a single rev dropped in speed, "it's not my boat" he beamed at the now ashen faced skipper lying prostate on the deck.
We were enjoying the scenery and the weather as we glided past small rural villages and a very narrow Romanesque church.
The romance of the trip was clearly having an effect on some of the crew
The crew relaxed now and enjoyed the sunshine.
We were quickly at Pont Le Bar. A boaters village. The banks were lined with vessels and a boatyard and chandlery were the centre point of the busy little area. The town signals the end of the canal des Ardennes. After a quick chat we decided to crack on a bit but Steve and jacks would take the bikes to collect the car and we would head for charleville meziers. We had to wait for the lock to discharge its load, a beautiful wooden vessel with a rather spiffing 3 wheel car loaded on the coach roof.
Steve and jacks set off and we entered the lock. The engines were switched off while it filled and switched back on for exit and we slipped out onto the river Meuse and with a 2knot current behind headed down river. I went below to turn off an engine as we only use 2 for locking and berthing. I immediately heard a gruesome graunching noise and smelt electrical smoke. I knew instantly this was serious and tried to close down the port engine. It tried to close but was screaming and burst into life again. I lifted flooring in a frenzied Fashion and smoke billowed out from below. I tried again to stop the engine but it just wouldn't close down. I ripped the wires from the starter relay repair but still no stop, the smoke thickened, bri shouted turn off the batteries as he tried to hold the boat midstream. It did the trick, the port engine cluttered to a stop and thank god although plenty of smoke we had no fire at this stage.
We now had the problem of a lock fast approaching, no where to berth for 5 Kms and one engine which is a nightmare for any close quarter manoeuvring on Doucette. The approach would be made as slow as possible with the guys all round the boat with boat hooks and fenders to ease us in. We called Steve and asked him to meet us at Lumes where there was a halte. Locks safely negotiated, We rounded the bend and were delighted to see some 20m of free pontoon at the near end. Although with the current and a strong wind behind, I chose to try and duplicate the lock entry strategy which had worked well and try and go straight in.
Steve had not yet made it but a German from the boat moored came down the pontoon offering to take our bow line. As soon as he had it he started pulling, I told him to stop but it was too late, the current had Doucettes stern and I was not going to stop her swinging right round. The boat pulled the helpful German down the pontoon. Doucette is 7.5 tonnes. Our stern was clearly going to come round and hit his boat. A screaming lunatic of a Frauline was suddenly on the stern screaming at me. I had called the crew back to fender off. Whilst this was happening and actually we were very controlled and it was easy to hold the boat off and walk Doucette in but she had apparently suffered damage from 3 boats and had never received any compensation and she did not want me to be number 4. I gathered all this info in the 40 seconds it took to hand walk Doucette onto a safe mooring when she finally calmed down. They were both actually very nice and I gave the chap a bottle of wine in gratitude for his help. Doucette was safely alongside and the engine was cooling.
Steve soon arrived and we diagnosed a burnt out starter motor. Turned out the brilliant repair item of the battery isolator switch had stuck in the made position and had effectively been drawing 100's amps continually trying to start an engine which was already started. We had been very lucky indeed to escape a fire.
I got on the Internet to try and source a new starter and found an Internet site. We decided to try the chandlery at Pont Le bar in the morning and remove starter then. We fished and then all sat on the poop deck on a warm sunny evening and drank and BBQ'd chicken and steak.
It had been one hell of a day!
Two very large asperges were missing this morning. I could tell from the smile on their faces who was responsible. Following a good telling off from the horrified skipper the naughty girls returned the missing stalks amidst much smutty giggling. The skipper displayed his displeasure at his tips being tinkered with but Was interrupted by the incredible sight of one of our Dutch neighbours departing to enter the lock. We watched in slow motion fascination as he moved inexhorably toward the bridged entrance to the lock. He was going to stop and take down his beautiful wooden masthead wasn't he? It was 6ft in front of his eyes, the bridge was seriously low,
After a hearty breakfast of cereals, fruit yoghurt and honey and omelette and baguette, and blessed with a lovely sunny morning, we made plans for the day. This consisted of Steve and I taking the car and 2 fold up bikes half way to Pont Bar our potential night stopover while Brian fished and began his rigerous recuperation regime. Collette was tasked with buying another dozen eggs from the lockkeeper.
The car was safely parked at a small town called omnicourt and we had a gorgeous 10 km cycle back to La Cassine. The dead cow had not moved. Collette had not yet gone to get the eggs. I refused to go and told her to go and try some French. She was so scared yet so capable. She returned laughing nervously. A yacht had entered the lock and the owner had jumped straight off and was at the door as she arrived. He had the last dozen. The skipper was not dumbfounded!
We set off in bright sunshine and Framlar took the helm. First obstacle was getting used to low bridges, Bri showed a confident demeanor as we hurtled straight through without a single rev dropped in speed, "it's not my boat" he beamed at the now ashen faced skipper lying prostate on the deck.
The romance of the trip was clearly having an effect on some of the crew
Our burly helmsmen was soon faced with his first lock which was negotiated with consummate ease by this loveable rotund skipper. Next test was the St Aignan tunnel. Again the nerveless gruff heavyweight slipped through as though he had been at it for years. The throttles were an extension of his rippling muscled arms.
We now had the problem of a lock fast approaching, no where to berth for 5 Kms and one engine which is a nightmare for any close quarter manoeuvring on Doucette. The approach would be made as slow as possible with the guys all round the boat with boat hooks and fenders to ease us in. We called Steve and asked him to meet us at Lumes where there was a halte. Locks safely negotiated, We rounded the bend and were delighted to see some 20m of free pontoon at the near end. Although with the current and a strong wind behind, I chose to try and duplicate the lock entry strategy which had worked well and try and go straight in.
Steve had not yet made it but a German from the boat moored came down the pontoon offering to take our bow line. As soon as he had it he started pulling, I told him to stop but it was too late, the current had Doucettes stern and I was not going to stop her swinging right round. The boat pulled the helpful German down the pontoon. Doucette is 7.5 tonnes. Our stern was clearly going to come round and hit his boat. A screaming lunatic of a Frauline was suddenly on the stern screaming at me. I had called the crew back to fender off. Whilst this was happening and actually we were very controlled and it was easy to hold the boat off and walk Doucette in but she had apparently suffered damage from 3 boats and had never received any compensation and she did not want me to be number 4. I gathered all this info in the 40 seconds it took to hand walk Doucette onto a safe mooring when she finally calmed down. They were both actually very nice and I gave the chap a bottle of wine in gratitude for his help. Doucette was safely alongside and the engine was cooling.
Steve soon arrived and we diagnosed a burnt out starter motor. Turned out the brilliant repair item of the battery isolator switch had stuck in the made position and had effectively been drawing 100's amps continually trying to start an engine which was already started. We had been very lucky indeed to escape a fire.
I got on the Internet to try and source a new starter and found an Internet site. We decided to try the chandlery at Pont Le bar in the morning and remove starter then. We fished and then all sat on the poop deck on a warm sunny evening and drank and BBQ'd chicken and steak.
Monday 4th June La Cassine
Having struggled to get to sleep, I was wide awake at 5.30. More incredibly, so was the crew. This was arrivals day, we were clearly both excited by the prospect of seeing friends.
By 8 am we were tracking there progress. Should be nearing the Chunnel now.
I spotted the lock keeper bringing out his goat to put to grass for the day and we were astonished to see the chickens hopping down towards the boat. The German hounds soon scared the daylights out of them and that was that. I popped down to enquire to eggs. Mrs lock keeper was just emptying the roost so I had 12 very fresh and still warm eggs in exchange for 2 euros. We breakfasted on the yellowest yummiest yolks of the trip.
Ok should be with us by 2pm French.
We mounted the steel horses and took a delightful ride to the 3 km distant village of Vendresse, a pretty little village where we discovered to our delight a tiny store selling bread and provisions. We loaded up with pork steaks coffee coke pate and biscuits for our guests and enjoyed the ride back. Picked up a kilo of seriously large asperges from a farm and saw the somewhat gruesome sight of a cow spread eagled in the drive of a farmhouse. The farmer looked upset and was on the phone so it had clearly not been slaughtered but dead this big beast most certainly was.
2pm came and went, we had cleaned Doucette and were ready for guests. Tea darling? no I will wait.
2.30 lunch darling? No I will wait.
3pm we look longingly down the road and text.
15 to 20 miles away was the great news.
4.30 in true SMEDLEY style our guests arrive.
We hug we laugh we exchange "your looking wells."We drink long awaited tea and all speak at once to catch up on all the news. They unpack. They are settled. We have cheese pate and baguettes for a very late lunch.
We repeat our stroll around the village and carry on the news brief.
The weather is brighter so later, over beers and fishing we light the magma for the pork steaks. Ihold back the asperges as starters on the basis that lunch had been so late. The pork is mouthwatering and delicious with the haricot and dauphinoise.
The guys are tired so we set up the beds. My bag of esperge has generated much interest and I am fearful of leaving them in the saloon so count them before retiring.
The tired guests keep me awake for an hour with incessant giggling and chatter.
It's lovely to have them aboard.
By 8 am we were tracking there progress. Should be nearing the Chunnel now.
I spotted the lock keeper bringing out his goat to put to grass for the day and we were astonished to see the chickens hopping down towards the boat. The German hounds soon scared the daylights out of them and that was that. I popped down to enquire to eggs. Mrs lock keeper was just emptying the roost so I had 12 very fresh and still warm eggs in exchange for 2 euros. We breakfasted on the yellowest yummiest yolks of the trip.
We mounted the steel horses and took a delightful ride to the 3 km distant village of Vendresse, a pretty little village where we discovered to our delight a tiny store selling bread and provisions. We loaded up with pork steaks coffee coke pate and biscuits for our guests and enjoyed the ride back. Picked up a kilo of seriously large asperges from a farm and saw the somewhat gruesome sight of a cow spread eagled in the drive of a farmhouse. The farmer looked upset and was on the phone so it had clearly not been slaughtered but dead this big beast most certainly was.
2pm came and went, we had cleaned Doucette and were ready for guests. Tea darling? no I will wait.
2.30 lunch darling? No I will wait.
3pm we look longingly down the road and text.
15 to 20 miles away was the great news.
4.30 in true SMEDLEY style our guests arrive.
We hug we laugh we exchange "your looking wells."We drink long awaited tea and all speak at once to catch up on all the news. They unpack. They are settled. We have cheese pate and baguettes for a very late lunch.
We repeat our stroll around the village and carry on the news brief.
The guys are tired so we set up the beds. My bag of esperge has generated much interest and I am fearful of leaving them in the saloon so count them before retiring.
The tired guests keep me awake for an hour with incessant giggling and chatter.
It's lovely to have them aboard.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Sunday 3rd June Le Chesne to La Cassine
Trip 12kms. Departure 2pm. Locks 2 of 82
Woken at 5 ish by thunder. It rained incessantly all morning so we stayed on the boat, had a lazy late breakfast of sausages eggs ( more double Yolkers ) and Heinz beans. Marvellous.
Had showers and watched 2 more uk flagged narrow boats disturb a clearly miffed Wiltshire who had to dress and go out in pouring rain to move his boat 5 yds to facilitate them. It also meant he was right under the bridge and would not get any tv signal. I just knew he was fuming but kept my counsel.
I had fallen in love with a French boat in front of me. Layout was very similar to Doucette but very new and very luxurious. Owner told me it was a thomasz design. Note to self to check it out on the Internet.
We looked at pictures from last nights ball posted on the club website. Great too see the crew and clearly a top time was had. It prompted me to ring steve to sort tomorrow arrangements and it was exciting to speak to jacks and barb. I try and keep calls to absolute minimum because I am frugal so it was a little worrying getting the girls who are very capable orators, but call length was not too bad after all.
Had showers and decided the weather was looking brighter so prepared for lift off. I slipped out and to my astonishment found one of the boulangeries open on a Sunday afternoon. The lady shrugged, her dissappointment at having to work on a sunday evident but that's competition I guess.
We were just sending Steve some directions for there trip out tomorrow when the iPad Skype rang. Rose calling. We were made up when we could not only hear tone and rose but see them. At last the Skype had worked. It was fantastic to see them and chat. Good to see my old mucker looking as healthy as he'd been promising me he was. A real brucie was the appearance of Carla fresh from the shower. We had just started to catch up when the signal went pair shaped. No worries, we had seen and spoken to them and it was brilliant. Definitely something psychologically better when you see loved ones as well as hear them.
We left Le Chesne in great heart despite the light drizzzle. The scenery was getting more meadows and less wooded and was indeed very pretty even in the heavy light. I cursed as I missed my best yet opportunity to get a close photo of a heron who was the first of the trip to not fly on our approach but to stay on his perch as we passed. We travelled the 12 Kms to la cassine. Another beautiful rural halte next to a lock advertising a dozen eggs for 2€. We were helped alongside by a very charming Dutchman.
Then we were joined by max, a lovely old dog who was after food more than friendship and lived at the lock keepers cottage.
We had a late lunch of pâté and cheese again before taking a quick stroll. We could not raise the lock keeper to avail ourselves of some fresh eggs but did find the remarkable ruins of a 1543 chateau behind the lock, scene in July and August of a son et lumiere which sadly we would miss. The village was made up of the chateau outbuildings and a beaut of a church.
We returned and were greeted by max so we tried the keeper again.
still luckless we noted the heavy German concrete bunker erected a yard from the lock keepers cottage. Bloody Germans!
A 3rd boat had arrived and squeezed in between us and the dutchman. As we walked down the towpath, 2 highly energised large dogs bounded barking toward Collette who has never had an affinity with hounds. They almost bundled her over. I don,t like those dogs she grumbled "
they're from Germany dear!" I Confirmed!
The clouds made for a lovely sunset.
After a nice steak and salad with merlot, We had a reasonably early night but the excitement of tomorrows visitors arriving did not help and it was strange to be finding it difficult to drop off.
Woken at 5 ish by thunder. It rained incessantly all morning so we stayed on the boat, had a lazy late breakfast of sausages eggs ( more double Yolkers ) and Heinz beans. Marvellous.
Had showers and watched 2 more uk flagged narrow boats disturb a clearly miffed Wiltshire who had to dress and go out in pouring rain to move his boat 5 yds to facilitate them. It also meant he was right under the bridge and would not get any tv signal. I just knew he was fuming but kept my counsel.
I had fallen in love with a French boat in front of me. Layout was very similar to Doucette but very new and very luxurious. Owner told me it was a thomasz design. Note to self to check it out on the Internet.
We looked at pictures from last nights ball posted on the club website. Great too see the crew and clearly a top time was had. It prompted me to ring steve to sort tomorrow arrangements and it was exciting to speak to jacks and barb. I try and keep calls to absolute minimum because I am frugal so it was a little worrying getting the girls who are very capable orators, but call length was not too bad after all.
Had showers and decided the weather was looking brighter so prepared for lift off. I slipped out and to my astonishment found one of the boulangeries open on a Sunday afternoon. The lady shrugged, her dissappointment at having to work on a sunday evident but that's competition I guess.
We were just sending Steve some directions for there trip out tomorrow when the iPad Skype rang. Rose calling. We were made up when we could not only hear tone and rose but see them. At last the Skype had worked. It was fantastic to see them and chat. Good to see my old mucker looking as healthy as he'd been promising me he was. A real brucie was the appearance of Carla fresh from the shower. We had just started to catch up when the signal went pair shaped. No worries, we had seen and spoken to them and it was brilliant. Definitely something psychologically better when you see loved ones as well as hear them.
We left Le Chesne in great heart despite the light drizzzle. The scenery was getting more meadows and less wooded and was indeed very pretty even in the heavy light. I cursed as I missed my best yet opportunity to get a close photo of a heron who was the first of the trip to not fly on our approach but to stay on his perch as we passed. We travelled the 12 Kms to la cassine. Another beautiful rural halte next to a lock advertising a dozen eggs for 2€. We were helped alongside by a very charming Dutchman.
The clouds made for a lovely sunset.
Saturday 2nd June Montgon to Le Chesne
Trip 3 Kms. Departure. 9 am. Locks 5 of 80
Awoke to a bright golden haze on the meadow. A stunning morning which we just sat and soaked up over tea and porridge for Collette and yoghurt and honey for the fitness fanatic.
We were thinking of home today. A big day. Stacey was sitting the biggest exam of her life. She had been studying relentlessly for months and we knew how nervous she would be right now. It was a paper which lasted 6 hours so it would be a long day of worrying for her and hoping things were going well. Carla and dan were home at tone and roses for another wedding and it was jubilee weekend. We were not homesick by any means but it was a day when we missed being there.
We had promised the eclusier to be moving at 9 so as not to mess up the 26 lock sequence so we were soon underway and in no time entering a strange little halte in a basin at Le Chesne. Water and electric which was a brucie and free. Super!
Le Chesne Had a nice little store, a tabac, 3 bars, poste a computer shop 2 hairdressers and outstandingly 2 boulangeries within 100 yards. We were fair staggered!
Weather was much hotter than had been forecast so we luncheoned on the poop deck. My favourite pate so far, boar, cheeses and salad. We got a little silly now and as it was the start of the jubilee weekend, we cracked a bottle of fizz and had a very long lazy lunch in the sunshine.
I was cracking on with blog catch up and Collette went for a siesta. I then fell asleep in the sun and got burnt. A British narrow boat docked opposite, the Mary rose hailed from Wiltshire. They had sold up in the uk bought it new 5 years ago and had it shipped out to Belgium may 7th this year and were planning 4/5 years in France as live aboard. They had bought the cat and the dog. Wiltshire invited me over to watch England v Belgium but I was not that interested and declined but he kept me up to date with all that happened and was clearly a big footy fan.
We heard from stacey and it had gone ok but she was exhausted so that was fine and now we sort of drifted through the rest of the evening drinking beer and thinking of home. It was the night of the ball at the cruising club and the crew will have put so much effort into it, we just hoped it was good weather and a great night, meanwhile we knew tone rose, Dave Trish Steve and Lynn were tucked up in robin and carols summer house eating and drinking their fill. Nice one, we had some very spicy fajitas washed down with a bottle of Bordeaux. It was a 2005 and 5€ bought because it was reduced from €8 which should be bloody good stuff and I had felt I just ought too. Collette was unimpressed and told me I was a tosser and to stick to the merlot.
Fair enough, it wasn't great so forward strategy now confirmed.
At 10 o,clock I thought the bloody Germans had kicked off again. There was a loud hum, click and suddenly Doucette was bathed in a dazzling light having been picked out by a searchlight. I leapt up expecting to hear air raid sirens any second but found the church to be the target. We were simply supporting cast.
I was still catching up my blog at 11pm and was feeling fuzzy so hit the sac I suspect a lot earlier than a few drunken Amis back home!
Awoke to a bright golden haze on the meadow. A stunning morning which we just sat and soaked up over tea and porridge for Collette and yoghurt and honey for the fitness fanatic.
We had promised the eclusier to be moving at 9 so as not to mess up the 26 lock sequence so we were soon underway and in no time entering a strange little halte in a basin at Le Chesne. Water and electric which was a brucie and free. Super!
I was cracking on with blog catch up and Collette went for a siesta. I then fell asleep in the sun and got burnt. A British narrow boat docked opposite, the Mary rose hailed from Wiltshire. They had sold up in the uk bought it new 5 years ago and had it shipped out to Belgium may 7th this year and were planning 4/5 years in France as live aboard. They had bought the cat and the dog. Wiltshire invited me over to watch England v Belgium but I was not that interested and declined but he kept me up to date with all that happened and was clearly a big footy fan.
We heard from stacey and it had gone ok but she was exhausted so that was fine and now we sort of drifted through the rest of the evening drinking beer and thinking of home. It was the night of the ball at the cruising club and the crew will have put so much effort into it, we just hoped it was good weather and a great night, meanwhile we knew tone rose, Dave Trish Steve and Lynn were tucked up in robin and carols summer house eating and drinking their fill. Nice one, we had some very spicy fajitas washed down with a bottle of Bordeaux. It was a 2005 and 5€ bought because it was reduced from €8 which should be bloody good stuff and I had felt I just ought too. Collette was unimpressed and told me I was a tosser and to stick to the merlot.
Fair enough, it wasn't great so forward strategy now confirmed.
At 10 o,clock I thought the bloody Germans had kicked off again. There was a loud hum, click and suddenly Doucette was bathed in a dazzling light having been picked out by a searchlight. I leapt up expecting to hear air raid sirens any second but found the church to be the target. We were simply supporting cast.
Friday 1st June Rethel to Ecluse 5 Montgon
Trip 32 Kms. Departure 10.30 Locks 27 of 75
Got lucky this morning. 2 poached eggs for starters and both double Yolkers. I came up with a master stroke to solve the starting issue bearing in mind we had an awful lot of locks to do today. I rigged a battery isolator switch across the relay on a lead long enough to sit on the back wheelhouse shelf and leaving the flooring in place. It meant i could simply push in the switch and it would make the relay and start the engine. Worked like a dream. this was gonna be a good day.
We were packed and away by 10.30. All very smooth as the scenery got better and better although there was a threatening sky ahead. I turned a bend to be confronted by what looked like a complete canal block. I had checked the works schedule and had missed this. They were repairing the canal side. I edged forward and realised we could just scrape past as long as the bank was good depth in the trees and no fallen branches would cause a problem. To complicate things a boat was heading from the opposite side but we would pass first.
We squeezed through just and I watched as the Belgium boat pushed through the trees in passing.
We arrived at the last lock prior to the start of the two staircase 26 lock Montgon flight travelling just 8 Kms to the summit at Le chesne. A Luxembourg cruise barge was exiting the lock. A pretty tight squeeze. It was all of 90 ft long and was appropriately called Elizabeth with our queen heading into her jubilee weekend.
At the first of the staircase we are given a radar and told not to stop between locks as they are set to give a continuous passage through all 26. "how long to do them" 41/2 hours. It would be very tight as it was gone 2 and she told us the locks closed at 6.30. We entered the second lock. The starting procedure was sweet but I was horrified to notice the stbd engine temperature had risen to 230degrees. Collette was trying to attach the lines and I just needed to turn the engine off. This was not the time to suffer an overheat. I quickly lifted the strainer and got the pump to blast an air bullet down what I assumed was a blocked intake. On the 3rd go there was a thud and a bubble of air surfaced. The lock gates had opened and it was time to move 100 metres into the next lock. I desperately needed both engines constantly now as manoeuvring Doucette on one at low speeds was a non starter and these locks were very narrow with very firm concrete sidewalls.
I started stbd hoping to see an immediate improvement. No change. I was forced to try and enter the lock on one engine. I needed speed to steer and I was seriously stressed as we moved into lock number 3. Then the heavens opened. When it rains as they say, this was really not funny, I would have to phone the keepers and tell them I had to stop but first I would give it one more try. I lifted the strainer lid again and noticed there was no release of pressure when I opened it. I quickly got some leather gloves and carefully released the coolant lid. Eased the pressure out. There was water at the top but as the pressure was released the coolant level started to drop. The system had an air block within the engine. I topped up the coolant with about 2 pints of water, then heard Collette shout "gates are opening"
I started stbd engine and immediately the temperature dropped. Crisis was over and the rain stopped as quickly as it had begun.
We celebrated with a beer and snickers bars and started to thoroughly enjoy the routine of lock after lock in increasingly beautiful settings.
I had read this canal had been compared to English canals and it was easy to see why.
We started to count down from double figures but at ecluse 6 and the time at 05.50. A Vnf man said next one is last ecluse. Ferme a 6 heures. Surely not we were told 6.30.
Much too our delight 6 it was because we ended up staked alongside a bank between 2 locks in the most fabulous setting. Remote and glorious we had a stroll,
BBQ of asperges, superb, and bavette steak with salad followed by bananas and custard with a bottle of merlot. I fished on sweet corn for a while and all in all it was an idyllic night on a boat ona French canal. What you dream of!
Got lucky this morning. 2 poached eggs for starters and both double Yolkers. I came up with a master stroke to solve the starting issue bearing in mind we had an awful lot of locks to do today. I rigged a battery isolator switch across the relay on a lead long enough to sit on the back wheelhouse shelf and leaving the flooring in place. It meant i could simply push in the switch and it would make the relay and start the engine. Worked like a dream. this was gonna be a good day.
We were packed and away by 10.30. All very smooth as the scenery got better and better although there was a threatening sky ahead. I turned a bend to be confronted by what looked like a complete canal block. I had checked the works schedule and had missed this. They were repairing the canal side. I edged forward and realised we could just scrape past as long as the bank was good depth in the trees and no fallen branches would cause a problem. To complicate things a boat was heading from the opposite side but we would pass first.
I started stbd hoping to see an immediate improvement. No change. I was forced to try and enter the lock on one engine. I needed speed to steer and I was seriously stressed as we moved into lock number 3. Then the heavens opened. When it rains as they say, this was really not funny, I would have to phone the keepers and tell them I had to stop but first I would give it one more try. I lifted the strainer lid again and noticed there was no release of pressure when I opened it. I quickly got some leather gloves and carefully released the coolant lid. Eased the pressure out. There was water at the top but as the pressure was released the coolant level started to drop. The system had an air block within the engine. I topped up the coolant with about 2 pints of water, then heard Collette shout "gates are opening"
I started stbd engine and immediately the temperature dropped. Crisis was over and the rain stopped as quickly as it had begun.
Much too our delight 6 it was because we ended up staked alongside a bank between 2 locks in the most fabulous setting. Remote and glorious we had a stroll,
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