An early start – as starts went, that was when locks didn’t open until 9am – on a grey drizzly day, yet not that cool: a change pleasant change to the heat of the sun beating down. The numbering system recommencing at ‘one’, the downward journey upon the Golbey Stair case – 15 locks one […]
Yes, we are still alive. It is so remote that we have been out of internet range. Last night we moored at the bridge, Pont des Forges. The pic was taken whilst going through one of the locks. The Canal des Vosges is absolutely stunning and so much easier to do than the Canal du Midi/Canal du […]
Waiting for the lock keepers to arrive at work, I had time for a play with my macro lens in this idyllic setting. So spectacularly different to the so popular Midi which is known for its towns, castles and Cassoulet. This trip through the Vosges Mountains was truly one for the nature lover: the […]
Welcome to Canal des Vosges!! At pk 147.4, Gratis entered the first of 93 narrow locks, less three because Gratis would be entering L’embranchement de Nancy prior to the canal’s conclusion. Operated by lock keeper, here we were handed the automatic wireless device that would open the gate of most locks along the canal and […]
Our pleasant motor along the Saone came to an end as we entered Corre, France at lunch time today
Countryside was much like that of previous days and Corre being a plain overnight stopover, there were no photos this day. This was an easy morning with just three locks to contend with and an afternoon for relaxing in Corre. Despite being described as 1.80+ metres in depth, there were spots where the river was […]
The Canal crosses the Vosges Mountain range which peaks at 1424m and stretches almost two hundred kilometres: from the German border in the north, to the French town of Belfort in the south. Soft rounded peaks kissing the sky, more than fifty percent of its landscape is covered by numerous species of tree. Meadowland, icy […]
Awaking to frost on the windows and wading birds just outside, a much more relaxed day, with the decision to reside at Port – sur – Saone for the night. More exquisite sights, riverbank reconstruction underway. Another lock or two. A narrow channel led us into Tunnel de St Albin. Once passed through and […]
Last evening, we discovered a discrepancy in the operational hours of the locks on the Petite Saone. It turned out that the book was incorrect, with the hours instead being from 09:00 to 19:00 – two hours less than those on the Midi/Garonne (08:00 – 20:00) and five hours shorter than the Rhone/Saône á grand […]
Except for passing through three locks, it was a 90km non – stop day. The time was spent enjoying the passing countryside. The river becomes ever slower. Today the water was like a millpond, with the flow only showing slightly on the bends. Gratis motored along at 1800 – 1900rpm doing between 8 and 11km […]
After enjoyable visits to the photography museum and Denon museum which contained artifacts from prehistory, we are on our way once more.
What an interesting town this was: not large and so much history! The decision was made to visit two places that appeared most worthwhile: Musee Nicephore Niepce and Musee Denon. Named for the man who is considered the father of photography, the first housed displays on the history of photography. Born in 1765, it was […]
Another day of cruising past peaceful countryside settings. A farmhouse or two, and an old lock now used as a small pleasure craft marina. Surprise of surpises, a black swan! Did he fly in from Oz? Small islands lyingmid river, were obstacles to be avoided. Highlight of the day was our three hour visit to Tournus, […]
With the pressure on to reach Germany, the decision to leave exploring the old part of Lyon until 2017 was made. Motoring out of the township was most pleasurable as we passed a juxtaposition of old and new. An imposing abbey stood tall upon the aged ramparts whilst in the lower walls tunnels led who […]
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 […]
