After an uneventful motor, we turned into the Saone and arrived in Lyon yesterday arvo. We also discovered the lock system at the entrance had been disabled and it was possible to motor right on in. A swan family resided within the marina compound.
After an uneventful motor, we turned into the Saone and arrived in Lyon yesterday arvo. We also discovered the lock system at the entrance had been disabled and it was possible to motor right on in. A swan family resided within the marina compound.
After three and a bit very pleasant relaxing days, we were on our way up the Rhone once more. Levels had continued falling thank goodness. Our initial plan had been that of motoring the short distance to Givors, where a new water heater (it hadn’t rained but hailed, when various items gave up the ghost […]
A pair of white swans have their abode within the marina. This afternoon, espying Bob working on deck, they visited Gratis in search of a meal. Damsel flies and fluorescent greens and blues lazed upon the mooring lines, whilst small birds twittered merrily away.
Much better day. Current non existent. Only motored 20km. In les Roches de Condrieu for a few days.
Rain and thunderstorms overnight. Two days of 30+ and humidity had come to an end as thunderstorms passed in the distance and gentle rain fell upon us. Decision made this morning. A 20km motor to Les Roches de Condrieu where a relaxing couple of days would be spent. Ɛ22 per night for water, power, laundry […]
62.7km in 12 hours today. 7 of last 5 were hard work.
Yet another lock to commence the day’s sojourn! Life jackets on, in we headed. Upon exiting, we discovered work being undertaken: just loved the brightness of the equipment! Birds delighted in perching upon the channel marker pylons. The landscape continued to be more picturesque as the day passed. Swans were so hilarious this day. Refusing to move as […]
Two long hard days, but scenery great. One word: exhausted!!
Clear skies, on we forged. Past castles: it was possible to trace the length of the outer protective walls on this one. Yachts, barges and tourist liners kept us busy. The swans: couldn’t believe the numbers we saw! The steam from nuclear power stations towered into the skies. People at work. A wave or two, […]
Summer has arrived with a vengeance. Just two days before it was 15°C, wet and freezing. This day up to 29°C, thank you: not complaining though! After four days of waiting, the river levels had finally fallen to such an extent that pleasure and passenger ‘liner’ craft were once more allowed through. Early evening, Gratis […]
The Rhone river and current are down, sun shining and weather warm. Through the first lock on our own: what a breeze compared to the Midi and Garonne Canals! After a four day wait, we are cruising up the Rhone once more!
After sailing to Greece and back with us, our friends Anne and Cliff departed early this morning. The waters of the Rhone still at 3700 m³/s, continuing on was still not an option. For Bob and myself, a trip to the supermarket to restock for the trip to Lyon was the go.
Waters running at 4500m³/s, passing through the lock was still barred to us. Across from Avignon resides the tiny township of Villeneuve lez Avignon. Originally the petite village of Saint Andre – so named for the abbey around which it grew, it was with the coming of the papacy that the name chance took place. […]
News not good for continuing this morning: the current peaked at 3700 m³/sec yesterday, and was at 4300 m³/sec this morning. Bob surmises that it will be Monday/Tuesday before we continue on our way. In the meantime, we relax and can amble into other nearby townships. At the moment the four of us – yes […]
Prior to departing, Bob went through his daily check of the river information site (www.inforhone.fr). All looking good off we headed. The scenery each day is a significant contrast to that of the day prior. Now, low cliffs aligned the west bank of the river by the 240km (pk in the books), the greens so […]
Check out our French Page. www.gratisaustralis.com/category/france/ As time permits I will continue adding the remainder of the 2015 journey through the Garonne and Midi Canals.
Not such an early start to the day since the lock didn’t operate on set hours. Massive barges entered or exited on a regular basis. A gentle overnight rain washed the decks. 0700, life jackets – they are a prerequisite to entering the locks on the rivers – on, lock light green, and in we […]
A 0530 start as we entered the lock at its first opening time an hour later. Radio call on channel 19: no answer, so we prepared anyway. In and looped around the poles set into the wall, it was a sedate rise compared to the canal locks of last year. Into the flow of the […]
05:59, way too early! 40km heading upstream into the current to Arles, no moorings available for a break.
Winds predicted yesterday arvo 10kn (20km). In actuality 40kn (80km) and continual. Winds predicted today 15kn (60km), Bob’s guess is this will mean gusts from 50 – 60kn (100-120km). Departure tomorrow instead. A day of rest at last!