2006
Journal
Map of
Journey
Saturday, 17 June 2006
We left
The flight was OK; started almost 3 hours late, making the
transfer at Los Angeles a bit of a hurry, plenty of time at LHR to change
terminals, but make sure we didn't�t make the mistake of 2003 and miss the
flight, and had a smooth flight to CDG, where we found that BA are still able
to lose a suitcase.� Well not lose it, as
it was already listed as found at LHR.�
Yes they would deliver it to Lois� ASP.�
Certainly tomorrow.� And they did,
about 2pm.� We had a pleasant night,
slept like logs, but were frustrated to have to hang around waiting for the
suitcase.� It was a pleasant, 4� hour
drive to St Jean de Losne.� The boat was
in excellent condition.� The covers were
intact and there was little dust inside.
We had some trouble getting the water pump to work properly (the
non-return valve was sticking).� After a
quick drive to Casino Supermarket for initial stocks, bread and cheese for tea,
we were in bed about 9pm.
On Tuesday we went to the larger Intermarch� to fill the car with
petrol, and 4x20 litre cans with diesel, replace the empty CNG cylinder and
stock up the larder.� The rest of the day
was tidying up.� Ian returned the car to
Dijon Station on Wednesday, and we continued working on the boat.� Ian also started action for the steel pipe
needed to complete the davit for lifting the Power bike.� They have ordered a 6m length as cut-length
service is not available.� However a
smaller size was delivered, and after consultation about how it will be
attached, a replacement was ordered and will come on Tuesday.
We spent a pleasant evening with Bill and Joy, who�s boat is
having its bottom shone and painted, in their little apartment that Blanquart�s
have for clients.� We still hope to leave
mid next week.� It will be half time at
Monday, 19 June 2006
We called Cuck�unda (Frederick and Janice (from Bundaberg, Aus
about 47 years ago) who own an ex Prince like Erewhon) after the 9.30 network
and called to see them in the afternoon.�
Not in, but later they called on us.�
We planned our attendance at Sunday�s Pardonne (Blessing of the boats)
and swapped news.� About 9pm we walked up
to the quay and watched the kids enjoying typical fun-fair rides etc, the final
selection of Miss Losne and then a great fireworks display across the Saone.
Yesterday we started the boat (by jumping the domestic and starter
batteries), and joined dozens of other peniches and boats for a day of
fun.� Plenty of sun, good food and
conversation with Bill and Joy and also
But the boat wouldn't�t start to come home, and ignominiously, we
were towed back by Cuck�unda.� The electrician checked us out today, found
one of the house batteries was still OK and we switched them around so it is
now starter and the poor three should be OK as house battery.� The boat certainly starts OK now.
So this afternoon Ian is working on the fittings to support the
derrick which we hope to fit tomorrow.�
The temperature in the shade is only 32.6?
Ian persevered with the derrick, and it looked good, but when we
trialed it this morning, the steel tube was too light and bent.� So we will need a heavier gauge pipe. In the
meantime the bike will sit on the tail and only be available from pontoons and
low moorings.� We had rain during the
night, but the days have remained in the low 30s.� Bill and Joy came for dinner last night.
This morning we farewelled them all, and have come 3 hours up the
Friday, 23 June 2006
I am cross with myself.� I
haven�t loaded IPASS since I we bought the new computer.� So I can�t send emails using Outlook
Express.� When I next find a wireless
connection I will fix that.
We explored the Auxonne market this morning, bought a rotisserie
chicken and had a mid-day dinner.� Then,
this afternoon we made the 2 hour trip to Pontaillier sur
But it�s a beautiful evening and we are
back to reading again.
Saturday, 24 June 2006
What a lovely day.� We left
Pontaillier about 9, felt embarrassed when, an instant after lifting the blue
lever to the last river lock, we saw
�a boat approaching.� Too late; once you start you go!� But the Canal de Marne �
Monday, 26 June 2006
We didn�t get bread for breakfast, as it opened at 9.00.� However Ian returned at 9.00 for a baguette
for lunch and we were off.� It was
pleasantly warm and later in the day turned to thunderstorms.� We stopped under a bridge for lunch, and
continued up a mix of manual locks operated by uni students on holiday jobs and
automatic locks with radar sensors to start the sequence.� We moored for the night as rain threatened,
about 5.30.
Today we continued from 9.00 this morning, with all automatic
locks to the top.� Twice we tried local
villages for bread for lunch, both times to find �C�est lundi, c�est
ferm�.� The last locks were over 5
metres deep, with a second, and on some, a third bollard to shift to as we
rose.� Then, without waiting we were
granted approval to pass through the 5 km tunnel � lit by fluorescents.�
Exciting at first, but all tunnels become boring after a
while.� 40 minutes later we emerged and
passed down 2 locks to Langres.� We are
moored with free water and electricity.�
We plan to stay and explore as well as do a few jobs for 2 days.� The batteries have been ok for lighting and
water pumping, but don�t like driving the inverter for the washing!� Still no wireless so Ian can download the
IPASS programme.
Tuesday, 27 June 2006
We�ve spent the day at Langres and four pleasure boats have arrived
going south and a commercial boat has gone north.� It seems typical of the traffic on the
canal.� We used the electricity to help
with a load of washing, sorted out the water hose fittings, took Daisy off the
boat and used it for a shopping excursion to a Champion Supermarket, and later
to explore the walled city on the hilltop.�
While there, we read our incoming emails and were pleased to read that
Frank is recovering well from his op.�
Several told us of the terrible weather NZ is having. We also started
planting our small herb garden and Lorna had a few rides on Daisy.� It�s a beautiful place and we will stay a day
or two more.
Wednesday, 28 June 2006
A quiet day, some cloud keeping it cooler.� We have done a few jobs, including tidying up
the stern shelter fittings, mending a Briscoes chair, and chatting with the
boaties in port.� 7 peniches are
programmed to pass tomorrow morning, going south.� We have booked to leave after lunch, going
north.
Thursday, 29 June 2006
Two boats, going south, left port at 8am to lead a peniche loaded
with iron through the tunnel.� After
breakfast we did a load of washing (2 Dutch boats were also using similar spin
driers) and used Daisy to go to an Intermarch� to stock up.� In addition to groceries, we bought a parsley
plant to add to our garden!� After lunch we continued 3 hours on our way
and, to keep out of the sun are now moored 2 km north of the port at Rolampont,
satisfied by leeks with barbequed chicken legs.�
We are not sure if our phone account or connection is ok.� We are probably out of area, but will check
in Chaumont tomorrow or Saturday.
Saturday, 01 July 2006
I am off to a wifi site shortly, so will
update.
Yesterday we met more peniches in a day than for a long time-
seven. And this morning 2 more passed before we got up, and 3 since.
It was a warm 30 deg day, easy locks and we arrived about 4pm at
Chaumont, the first paying port we have had since St Jean de Losne.� �8.60 incl electricity.� The Germans behind us were excited when their
team won a semi-final berth in the World Cup!
This morning we took Daisy off with the gang-plank and explored
the town at the top of the hill.� We
checked at SFR and it appears the phone is all OK.� So we have bought a card for the last 2
months, which still will work in
Tuesday, 04 July 2006
I was lucky with the wifi site.�
It was free and I was able to download the IPASS programme as well as
catch up on some news.
Later in the afternoon we moved 1 km up the canal and moored above
the next lock, from where we did a good stock-up at Leclerc Supermarket. On
Sunday we had lunch at Vi�ville, and stopped for the night at Froncle where we
expected electricity and water, but found it is several months away and
unlikely to be free when it happens!� It
was hot in the sun, but we stayed two nights.�
The second day we followed the shade as we enjoyed a rest day, including
lunch at The Chateau Restaurant for
only �12 each.� We were joined by Benny
Jones on his boat ARCO from
Thursday, 06 July 2006
That storm didn�t come to much, but at Joinville the following
night we had a beauty.� We got back to
the boat from exploring the town just as the skies opened with noisy thunder
overhead.
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We took 2 hours on a sunny morning to get to here, on a free
mooring with 4 other boats.� We did a
load of washing, a preliminary exploration of the town and last night, at a
nearby pub, we watched
Sunday, 09 July 2006
Vitry le Francois;� We left
Joinville at 9.00; a pleasant day for travelling, passed our 2002 lunch mooring
about 12 md and continued for over a hour further using automatic locks to our
2002 night spot.� After an hour for lunch
and 2 heavy showers, we continued to St Dizier where we moored above the lock
in the middle of town.� The main shopping
area, 2-3 streets NW of the canal, was attractive and late in the day was quite
busy.
But teenagers gathering in the evening encouraged us to shift 300
metres back from our original spot where we were twice asked to rescue a soccer
ball. �But after that we had a quiet
night and left as usual at 9.00 for a pleasant cruise to Vitry la
Francois.� Ian likes this port, free with
water and electricity and well shaded.�
It is close to a modern small town (modern, because it has been nearly
obliterated 3 times in the last 130 years!) and has 2 supermarkets, reasonably
handy.
Ian started a few small jobs, including trying to stop leaks from
rain, around the windows.� We did a load
of washing and are now preparing to connect to the email tomorrow, using IPASS
at the port information office nearby.
We are two days cruising from Reims, where we leave the boat to
drive to Paula�s wedding in
Tuesday, 11 July 2006
Great news.� We got IPASS to
work after several tries.�
1
The connecting plug wasn�t connecting, so no dial tone.
2
Included xtra.co.nz in login.
3
Didn�t remove dial up as only option.
So now we have all the in-mail on file and the Journal to date has
gone to all those who requested it.� We also
got Martin and Jacqui�s phone number.
Glorious sunny weather; if anything, too hot, so we have created
as much shade as possible.
But we watched
Ian has attempted to repair the leaks we found last week, by
removing screws and pumping sealant into the hole before replacing the screws.
Saturday, 15 July 2006
We left Vitry on Thursday (the locks were closed on Friday for
Bastille Day) and stopped for two nights on the wall at Chalon en
On Friday, we explored the town admiring the civic square with a
brass band playing to honour the day,�
There are lovely parks, use of streams and precious old buildings,
including a number of half timbered from the C18.� The cathedral was interesting to see the
stages of its building over the centuries, starting at the C11.
This morning, after a small shopping at ATAC in the city centre,
we continued to a small town, Mareuil sur Ay and are making use of the free
electricity for a couple of days, during which we will explore Epernay etc
around the champagne country with the help of Daisy.
Thursday, 20 July 2006
The mooring wasn�t free - �9 a day or �25 for 3 nights.� But it�s a great place to stop. 
�Since last Saturday we have had a relaxing,
though very warm week.� There is talk of
a heat wave developing, so we are grateful we leave here on Saturday in a
rental car, travelling via
We enjoyed using Daisy to take us around the vineyards in the
On Tuesday we left at 8am, returned 11 km and 3 locks to Cond�,
then up 8 to the tunnel and down 3 to Sillery.�
We have had to write to the Mairie for permission to moor for more than
15 days, while we are in
There are a lot of boats here including De�se, owned by the
O�Driscolls.� Last night we sat under a
tree and shared supper and wine with them, and crews each from
Ian rode Daisy into
The heat continues, and Roly and Val
left this morning.
In the meantime I tried wireless and got lucky with a free
connection (our first), so have checked our email.
Saturday, 22 July 2006
The heat continued, with a party ashore on Thur and Fri.� We packed, put Daisy back on the tail-board
and turned the boat around.� The Mairie
OK-ed the extended mooring, so we paid 2x �52 for 30 days.� Most of the boats left the day we did.
At 9.30 we took a taxi to 
lunch before setting
out on 21 days of European exploration by car.
To
Sweden and back via Germany and Denmark
Saturday, 22 July 2006
After a returning 80km to collect missing clothes, we cruised
East, north of
Sunday, 23 July 2006
Continued on to Heidelberg; overcast morning; guidance from
Visitors Centre by the Railway station, then up the valley to park in the old
town and explore the schloss and city streets.�
We had beer and strudel for lunch; the sun came out and the afternoon
was hot; we admired the beautiful bridge with a lovely view, and watched boats
passing the lock in the weir.
We decided not to stay in the expensive town, and continued
towards Rothenberg, but after a wrong exit on the motorway, which we quickly
turned to our advantage we stopped at Bad (= Spa) Mergentheimer.� With the help of a Pakistani internet
operator, we found this lovely 500 year old cottage with lovely rooms; Italian
food takeaways.
Monday, 24 July 2006
Going to stay 2 nights, it�s so lovely and also restful.� Explored the town on foot during the
day.� Magnificent 7-800 year old houses etc
� very tidy and prosperous looking.� Were
somewhat disappointed by an advertised changing fountain and local orchestra.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
We stopped at old church in Creglingen, with amazing wood carved
alters from end of 15th Century.�
Then we continued on to Rothenberg; we booked into a zimmer (roomy and
tidy), then had an initial exploration of the Northern section of this walled
town from the 1100.� At one time it was
one of the ten largest towns in
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
A 5 hour drive to
Friday, 28 July 2006
The Zimmer was fine.� �52
including breakfast.� We had a Greek
dinner.� On Thursday we took an �18
explorer coach excursion (great value) and also the explored the inner circle
by foot.� What huge reconstruction has
been achieved.� The town (250.000) looks
almost back to its old self after the terrible nights bombing in Feb 1945.� Again it was hot both days and we welcomed
cool showers when we got to our room.
We left
Sunday, 30 July 2006
What a lovely day we had yesterday.� We took tram and train to Berlin Zoo Station,
and used our Double Decker ticket to see the
The remnants of the church, with modern replacements for the
missing section
Potsdamer Place, including the marking
of the Berlin Wall
The remnants of the wall, which was surprisingly thin.� Only about 100 mm of reinforced concrete
often painted (graffiti) on the west side.
The space where the old Emperor�s (Kaiser Wilhelm was the last in
WW1, with
The river/canal and original
Reichstag (Parliament Buildings) with the new Glass dome
Tiergarten with small trees because the old ones were used as fuel
in 1945.
We returned after 5pm and the tram route through
Today we took it easy.�
Shortly before lunch we explored Sans Souci (No Worries!), a beautiful
terraced garden with gallery and fountains.�
Then we drove through Babelsburg to look at the Schloss that reminds us
of our friends, the babblers!� A great
castle, but more for show than defence.�
Later, Lorna had a swim on the edge of a lake, and we crossed the
Wednesday, 02 August 2006
The drive to Rostok was OK, with an hour hold-up at the start of
the
Today we parked (at SEK225 (about NZ$55)) in a central car-park
and took a bus tour then a boat tour.�
What a beautiful city. We can understand why Michael and Heather had
raved about it when he was here.� Tonight
we had a caf� style meal at Lyran Caf� with a lovely view looking towards the
city.� It was a bit cold outside - only
18 deg.
We rang Jo to confirm her arrival and Mike to check all was OK;
now off to bed.� By the way, this hotel
has WIFI available through a pay system called homerun.
Tuesday, 08 August 2006
What a lot has happened since the last
entry.
On Thursday we called at
Others arrived on Friday, including Mike and Sorella with Elliot
who was his usual impish self.� There was
a picnic meal in the evening by the huge lake as the sun set about 9.30.� Lois, Philippe, Frank and Dominique arrived
after mid-night and joined us for Sat breakfast.� Mike, Sorella and Elliot had lunch with us
and we were all ready for the 4pm outside wedding at the Manor House; 20
minutes and we were left to drink NZ wines while the Bridal group had
photos.� Paula looked lovely, attendants
in blue and boys with matching ties.� A
gorgeous day just under 30 Degrees C.
Dinner with excellent speeches and fun followed about 6 and
dancing was still just starting when Lorna and Ian headed back to bed about
2pm.
On Sunday, after family breakfast, with Joanne, we left for
Gotebourg, and stopped at
We took the 1.5 hour open-top bus trip around the town, and Lorna
was impressed by the picturesque buildings.�
Ian felt they were a bit flat after
We had planned to stop at
The next morning, Wednesday, we decided to drive back home to the
boat.� It drizzled a bit, then rained
heavily as we crossed
We returned the car today, Friday and we had done 5045 km in 12
days!� We had to pay an extra �28 for a
small dent on a wheel cover!� We also
used it to stock up the boat.
We
Continue on Erewhon
Monday, 14 August 2006
On Saturday we had some discussion on how long we would continue this
boating in
We also had a welcome visit from Martin, Jacqui, Sue and David,
whose boat is giving trouble with its hydraulic transmission.� We had a great talk.
The weather has been cold and unsettled since we returned to
Erewhon, and on Sunday it had poured all night and continued as we set out to
continue to
Today we continued down the l�Aisne to Bourg au Comin, where we
plugged into electricity to do a load of washing, since the sun was now
out.� Then, flying our �flags�, we
continued on to the Oise a
Thursday, 17 August 2006
The next day cleared and we rode Daisy along the Route des Dames,
looking at a couple of WW I memorials and cemeteries, then cut across country
to the hilltop city of
We negotiated with the owner of one of the large boats for an
electricity supply and did a double load of washing before continuing to Guny,
topping up the larder at a supermarket at Pinon.� A Brit boat Maranoa with a
We crossed the
Sunday, 20 August 2006
The daily pattern of scattered showers continues.� On Friday we continued into St Quentin with
its tall cathedral dominating the view.�
At �16, it was the dearest port so far, so the next morning, after a
load of washing and topping with water we left the port and moored above the
railway station so we could walk to town and watch the All Blacks beat Aus in a
very close game.� A British couple have
suggested Armenti�res as a port for winter; very secure and a good price.
After 5.30 we continued north to the second lock, where discovered
Marianne with Ann on board and Alan
in hospital.� Also there on their boat KOTUKU were Raewyn and Gary Robinson
from Gisborne.� We stayed the night after
a long sharing of info.
Tuesday, 22 August 2006
We stayed with the NZ'ers till Monday morning, and then about 10am
we continued to the Riqueval entry to the tunnel, where we lined up with a
Dutch launch, Pingu, owned by a
Belgian family who were very helpful helping us plan our stay in Belgium,
especially moorings in Ghent and Brugges; and a Brit couple John and Di on Sweety.�
John contributes to PBO on making a fibreglass boat.
We were lucky to be the lightest boat and were the last boat.� As usual, we used a long rope between us and
the lead boat.� They suffered no damage,
but it wasn�t easy for the other two.� We
all moored 3 locks down and shared a few glasses of wine on EREWHON.
Ian biked 8 km looking for bread, but only got needed exercise and
a look at a Worcestershire Regt memorial cemetery.� Then we have continued down an easy sequence
into Cambrai where we got little for �10, except for 2 hours on a power point
tomorrow to do 3 loads of washing!�
Cambrai is a somewhat disappointing town, all rebuilt after WW I.� But we did get free internet access from a
Jeunesse Office,
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
We did 3 loads of washing using the electricity and left at 12
noon.� We stopped for lunch on the
canal-side at 1.30, explored the Bassin Ronde where there could be a
winterising place if we need it, and continued down two large locks, shared
with a modern peniche with ease.� We moor
with the stern against the last sliding bollard and the mid rope transferred
down bollards as we fall.� We are moored
up a small side mooring behind an unloading peniche, and are OK till he leaves
about 10am tomorrow.
Thursday, 24 August 2006
Ian walked for bread about 8.30, and we left about 9.30.� It drizzled much of the later part of the
day, so we didn�t stop for lunch.� We led
a large freighter into the first lock, and cruised just ahead of it, with the
wind behind and deeper and wider water, at about 10 kph!� We checked out of
.
Sunday, 27 August 2006
We have had a quiet weekend with some drizzle.� The club has a good value restaurant and has
been busy each night till late.�� Ian
ordered a new 12V 180-250 amp-hour battery for �180, which they will be
installing tomorrow about mid-day.� We
also will be leaving the boat here for winter; in a shed, at �40 per month and
only �60 to lift it in and out of the water!�
We have been on a couple of walks and Ian rode Daisy into Antoine and
checked the fuel barge and a small sheltered port.
Monday, 28 August 2006
We hung around all morning as the tail end of another storm swept
over, and Marjorie Roelins delivered the battery, filling it with acid using a
beaker and a funnel and her bare hands!�
By the time we had tidied up, and paid by credit card, it was a late
start at 4.45, quite quickly down the lock and up 3 km to Antoine where we
filled with 120 litres of red Belgian Diesel at 72c/l and moored in the small
port sheltered from the waves of the large boats.
Wednesday, 30 August 2006
We bought some veggies at the market, and left Antoine about
9.30am.� There is a narrow stretch in
Tournai and we had to wait for a green light when two huge boats came
through.� Later we had a hold-up at a
lock which took 3 hours to clear.� A gas
bottle must have fallen off a boat and was fished out from between the lock
gate and its sill.� We tested the new
battery by doing a wash and using the inverter to drive the spin-drier.� No problem.
With the delays, we arrived at Oudenaarde at 6.30, ready for a
rest.� For a change, we have had no
rain!� Today we found a baker, read
e-mails, checked the bank accounts, covered the two tyres which we use as extra
fenders in ports with Duck tape, rang
Marg and Gerald at home (we had trouble getting the Belgian cabin phones to
accept the YABBA access 0800 number, but were helped out this time in the
town�s Belgicon shop) and stocked the larder at a local ALDI who we won�t use
again, as they didn�t take VISA. ( ps.� I
have since found out that YABBA does not work from payphones in
Saturday, 02 September 2006
Thursday, we explored Oudenaarde, did a load of washing and
read.� On Friday, we motored on to
Merelbeke, just inside the
This morning we continued on the same river/canal into the centre
of
Thursday, 07 September 2006
What a beautiful City!�
Buildings from 11th C still used as restaurants, nestled
around the rivers/canals.� Huge churches,
all fitting together.� Our free mooring
on a canal was great and convenient for exploring and shopping and the new
battery lasted well.� We ran the engine
for an hour for showers, laundry and recharging.� Sue and Paul arrived as planned on Monday and
we explored together.�
On Wednesday we moved on to Brugges where we have moored in the
port (�9 + water and electricity about a Euro each extra a day).� If possible it is even more impressive and we
are staying till Saturday morning, when S&P will return via
The weather has improved considerably, mostly sunny and warm to 32
degrees.
Sunday, 10 September 2006
All of the above happened, and in addition we were lucky to see
the Trouping of the Colour by the Grenadier Guards and a Belgian Regt.� A great show in the beautiful town
square.� We explored the waterways and
windmills on foot, and continued to appreciate the 30 deg warmth.�
We left as planned on Saturday, the others to a 7am train, and we
at 8.30, followed a large boat through the main canal thoroughfare to Oustende,
when we branched off on to the Newport canal.�
But we were held up for 2-3 hours by a body being found in a section of
the canal ahead, and so we are a few hours behind.� Also, Ian tried to find why the speed control
lever was stiff, and fount the gear-box/clutch was dry, so he took 2 hours on
his bike in
So we are an hour short of
Monday, 11 September 2006
It took 3 hours to reach this port (free with water and
electricity), and Ian quickly explored the city.� After lunch we went to the Museum which
highlighted the war in the region.� The
town was flattened, but has been fully rebuilt.�
1 million dead!� Including a great
uncle of mine.� But the town was never
won by the Germans.
We stocked up for 2 days and tonight we
go to the Menin Gate to hear The Last Post.
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
�Very moving, but NZ is the
only British country not to have names on this memorial.� The NZ memorial is at Tyne Cott, near
Paschendale, so none were listed in the Menin Gate, which is on another Vauban
defensive structure. And possibly was a major reason for the successful defence
of
Today we left at 8.30am; the first lock was waiting; all the locks
in
Friday, 15 September 2006
We continued into
Very quiet, and we were away about 9.30am on Thursday.� There were very few boats, and the lock was
an easy 0.94 metres!� We stayed the night
in the port at Arques (home of Crystal d�Arques) (�11/night, no water or
electricity).
This morning we left at 8.30 and went up first 3.94m then a 13.3m
lock (the last adjacent to the old Fontinettes double bucket lock).� But we had to wait 2 hours for the
lock-keeper at lunch time, when we turned into the
Ian rode Daisy to Bethune to find a contact to press for an
English translation of the Canal Driving Permit Test Questions.� He arrived disappointed he hadn�t met some
who he would have liked, but hopeful that those he had met might support the
case.� The discussion will continue by
email.
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Since Friday we have moved along.�
St Venant was a lovely stop, also being free with water and
electricity.� The next stop at
Armenti�res was disappointing.� We didn�t
moor in the quite expensive port (which an English couple had recommended for
wintering, but on a good canal-side mooring opposite an ED Supermarket.� In spite of the song we didn�t find the town
interesting.� The fact that Ian had a 24
hour fever may have influenced that impression.
On Sunday we continued up the Lys into the Deule, and stopped at
They left to go north and we to go south to
Wednesday, 20 September 2006
It was a beautiful sunny day, and we left
Thursday, 21 September 2006
Got excited for a minute as I thought I had a wireless connection,
but no!� What a beautiful day.� Our overnight mooring was lovely in the
morning, and the sun shone till twilight.�
Three potential problems all turned OK.�
A rope jammed in the cleat as we went down in the only lock of the day,
but a strong jerk freed it.� Ian,
concerned at how many extra km we had been forced into checked the diesel level
� practically zero, so we stopped for lunch at the very port we had intended to
reach via the Scarpe, but had to wait 3 hours for the supermarket to open at
3pm for 13 litres of diesel to get us to Antoine.� Then as we waited an empty peniche sped past
making a huge wake over the shallow mooring, which was strong enough to break
an old mooring rope (better that, than a cleat pulled out!).� We turned the boat to face later waves and
had no further problems.
So here we are in the tiny Antoine mooring, loaded with 390 litres
of low tax red diesel, ready for next season.�
We always leave the tank full over winter to reduce condensation in the
tank.
Monday, 25 September 2006
On Friday we used the local laundrette to wash bedding etc, which
we hung on the boat in brilliant sunshine, as we moved up here to the mooring
at Tournai Yacht Club, where we are staying until Thursday or Friday, when we
will be lifted out of the water.� It�s a
bleak spot, but it does have water and electricity.� We have started on packing and some end of
season work, but on Saturday, while we were trying to turn the top hatch over
to replace its wheels, it fell on Lorna�s finger and we needed to go to
Tournai� hospital for 8 stitches and a
anti-tetanus jab. The �20 credit on our cell-phone has been very useful for
calling taxis.
Today it is drizzling so we can�t do more washing, so are
recording and packing.
Sunday, 01 October 2006
The summer on the canals is over.�
We are now in
The boat was lifted out of the water on Friday afternoon by a
simple trolley lift.�� The hull below the
water (no antifouling) had a small number of tiny crustaceans which will be
hosed off.� Then Majorie will prepare and
paint the hull over the winter,�� We were
happy without the antifouling, but if we are to sell the boat, many buyers
won�t be.
As mentioned on Aug 14, we are planning another season on Erewhon,
after which we will sell the boat.� Ian is
going to prepare a special web-page and we will try and sell it ourselves to
avoid brokerage of between 3 � 8%.
Lorna has had a couple of visits to the surgery to clean her
wound, but will need to have the stitches removed here in
Majorie gave us a ride to the Antoine station, and the train took
us to
EREWHON
FOR SALE end of Sept
2007. Click here.