Southern France to Belgium by Boat - Day 11

Another glorious day - we have refreshments for you today... let's go!


Okay.... let's stop - the first lock wouldn't work and so, once again, my French was tested when I called the VNF to let them know. (VNF manage the waterways network).


Now, something usually happens at locks and in our relaxed state we sat back and waited. After a few fidgety minutes we decided it was a good idea to read the signs and leaflets thoughtfully left by the lock-keepers.


It's here we collected our automatic remote control - the next section of locks would be opened via pressing buttons on this device. A lock-keeper turned up, sorted us out and we were finally set to go!

A typical french village, viewed from a lock.

The lock-keepers' cottages are mostly privately owned in this part of France. They are wonderful old buildings and many catch the sun - the pets enjoy sun-baking too!

We're enjoying viewing the open countryside - in fact, we think this is better than the famous Canal Du Midi (Gasp!, Shock! Horror!) - The Midi is beautiful, but is quite enclosed in comparison to here. On the Marne the countryside stretches away from you for miles. France is a rich land.

Fruit trees line the canals. The plump apples and pears weigh down the branches and fall to the ground - ignored. Luckily, we're there to rescue them! This is today's bounty - they aren't quite ripe, but will be cooked up and jarred! Yum!

Here's our view when manoeuvring into a small lock. All done at snail's speed. Rouge Corsair is very easy to handle, she responds well, even at slow speeds. Her 80cm propellor provides great control and instant turn power with short bursts on the throttle.

Our view in the lock. The locks here, let in the water from beneath the boat, they are gentle and easy, but we must always pay attention. It's best not to think about the tonnes of water pushing on the other side of those doors!

Once the lock has filled, the gates open with flashing lights and beeping and off we go.

On to the next section. We are making great progress, we rarely see another boat - it feels as though the canals are all ours!

Here's where we stopped for the night, at PK174. We traversed 40 km today and 23 locks. We only met a few boats going south, we're a bit suspicious why we are the only boat heading north! ;-)

Here's a bit more information for those who know the area.

Look at us! (The red circle) - Belgium here we come!

Stay tuned - we are about to meet some fascinating people. A couple that break the next lock we are heading to, just for some Pear Schnapps and our company! And a fascinating artistic local.... and I've found "my" house! It will surprise you!