Feeling refreshed after a day off and having had enjoyed kindred spirit company, it's time to leave.
It wasn't long before we are at another tunnel - although this is much shorter than the last.
Even though you know you fit - at the last minute you always wonder....
In this tunnel I particularly liked the top of the wall. The sharp metal edge protrudes out at about the same height as the lines on the fenders - perfect height to slice through them!
You can see the top edge better here. When a moving vessel is near to a structure such as a wall, bank, or another vessel, there is a sucking motion, called barge effect (venturi effect). This is why you should slow down when passing other vessels. The same happens when moving in shallow waters, you are sucked down (called sucking the bottom!) - so we were keen to try not to get sucked into this wall.
Pretty lock-keepers cottage.
Even prettier view!
Can you see the Heron? They always fly off in front of our bow - even though, I find it hard to take a decent shot!
France provides wonderful (and often free) mooring quays.
This is the lovely Jill from Matilda Rose. Don't be fooled by her sweet smile - look carefully to the right of her left shoulder. There's a black triangle with two red lights. this means the lock has a problem - and Matilda Rose has just come through the lock!
In all fairness, Jill and Graham did not intentionally cause a delay on the lock, they were merely chatting to the lock-keeper who invited them (and then us) for coffee. If you spend too long in the lock when you are supposed to leave, then it gets in a pickle and stops working.
Double trouble - Rouge Corsair and Matilda Rose (Narrow Boat) - Jill and Graham have spent many years on board traversing the UK canals and now France.
(l to r) Noel, the lock-keeper, Graham and Jill. We all enjoyed a strong cup of coffee and some biscuits - then out came the pear schnapps!
The lock-keepers wife joined us and we all sampled the schnapps - except Jill who rather sensibly declined. The lock-keeper dunked a sugar lump in the liquid for my try - as I chewed on half a lump my head became instantly light - Noel muttered something about feeling numb after he took a sip! I'm guessing the thick liquid was about 100% proof!
It was time to move on. Another lock-keeper had got the lock back to working order and we bid our farewells. I hope our bows will cross another time with Jill and Graham and the lovely, homely Matlida Rose.
Munching a bag of apples that Matlida Rose donated to Rouge Corsair (thank you!) - we enjoyed the fine views and the endless flowers that the French take pride in displaying.
The lock-keepers' gardens usually have interesting items on show - here, we think, is a sluice box for panning (for gold?).
And here's our fabulous tie up for the night. Free power and water too.
About 100 metres along the bank from our mooring was this small grave - no higher than my knees. Respectfully I asked the occupant if I could take a photo - they didn't protest. I hope their life was a happy one.
And here are the maps to show you where we are.
There are more interesting characters to introduce you to along the way - I hope you will join us on board tomorrow.
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