Blessed with yet another tranquil night - here's our view while we sip our steaming mugs of tea. Do you ever have those times when you wake up and you don't have any idea where you are? I do - often. But that, I think, is the way it is for nomads.
And we're off..... My thought process when waking from a deep sleep and always travelling is something like this: "Where am I?" "Oh yes, on a boat" "Which boat?" Ah yes, the barge" "Which country?" (yes, really, I often ask myself that) - then I have to figure out which anchorage or port we are in. It's always a bit of a relief, these days, to wake up realising we are not in the middle of an ocean - as we so often have been.
The weather continues to put on a fabulous show for us. Those that are now comfortably enjoying the view - would you like a tea or coffee? - Perhaps something stronger?
Sorry, you may have to wait for refreshments. It's time to work. These set of locks are manual. A lock-keeper does most of the work, driving between each log as we go. However, we help too. Noel and I take it in turns to cycle between locks and help open and close the doors, while the other brings the boat along.
Noel's at the helm, but my legs are tired, it's his term to do the leg work. I just have to pry his hands off the wheel!
Rouge Corsair is great to steer carefully into locks - she's so responsive and well behaved - a bit like me really!
Noel closing the gate behind us. The lock-keep had already done the gate on the other side.
Noel opening the gates for RC and me! Good chap!
The view behind us, after we've gone down. A pretty waterfall to cool us off, or make us want to pee! ;-)
Pretty view - arranged just for you.
And here's our evening mooring. We're at Chaumont - Port de la Maladerie. With shops nearby and power and water (luxury!)
I'm very impressed with our progress. And delighted to have such wonderful guests joining us on this voyage! Today we traversed 41 kilometres (well done team!) and 22 locks. We are at PK110.
We're a bit tired, and it was time to unwind. Noel couldn't be bothered to clamber up and down the companionway stairs, so he joined me in the cockpit - loaded!
Tomorrow it's time to take a day off. Rest and have a look at a magnificent viaduct. We also meet Jill and Graham on board Matilda Rose. We had great fun - see you tomorrow.
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