Category Archive

Metz, France to Schengen, Luxembourg Metz, France to Schengen, Luxembourg

A long day that saw us arrive on the outskirts of the small country town of Schengen, the town where numerous European countries met to write up the Schengen Agreement. One important aspect for the traveller is the time allowed in each country that signed on and became a member of the Schengen agreement. If […]

Nancy to Pont a Mousson Nancy to Pont a Mousson

A late 11:30am start and an easy run: except for the water hose of the engine popping off a few times. The third saw black smoke steaming from you know whose ears. It turned out to be the result of shards from the old impeller blocking the exit, which in turn created pressure build up that […]

Molsheim, France to Nancy, France Molsheim, France to Nancy, France

Gentle relaxed car drive as Bob and I returned to Nancy in order to recommence our canal sojourn. Eleven kilometres north – east of our final destination, a short side trip into Saint-Nicolas-de-Port took place: the aim to visit the church, Saint Nicholas Basilica, Bob had read about. Situated in the Meurthe Valley, the town’s […]

Liggersdorf to Zermatt, Switzerland Liggersdorf to Zermatt, Switzerland

Next to the hotel was a dairy come stables in which cows were housed. After going into slumber to the sounds of a cow creating a combination of lowing and weird sounds – almost as though it was pushing, on the morn, we awoke to the most incredible bellow. Bob and I believe it was pregnant and […]

Strasbourg, France to Blaubeuren, Germany Strasbourg, France to Blaubeuren, Germany

Today saw us enter Germany and the Schwarzwald, land of the cuckoo clock, black forest cake and pom – pom hats. With its neat as a pin towns, white washed houses, mixed with wooden balconies, beams and flowers, Germany was so incredibly different to France. The commencement of our journey took us through cherry and […]

La Rochere Glassworks

As towns went, Nancy was par for the course. Its main name to fame being its centrality and a place to hire a car for our upcoming trip into southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A short trip today took us to La Rochere and the oldest glass producing factory in the world: La Rochere Glass […]

Richardmenil to Nancy Richardmenil to Nancy

Chill, chill, bone – aching, numbing ice biting chill. White upon the breath, chill deep into the lungs, nowhere warmth! Where had the summer heat gone this year? Add to the mix, rain, rain and more rain! Wet to the bone, we at last arrived at the junction where we would enter Embranchment du Nancy. […]

Charmes to Richardmenil Charmes to Richardmenil

Heavy drenching rain overnight, brought with it a chill that pervaded the air. Out came the trackies, woollens and wet weather coats as we made our way to Richardmenil. 9am, engine on, lines being brought on board, the first lock commenced the opening process. Upon the canal, it is etiquette to allow those who arrive […]

Pont des Forges to Epinal Pont des Forges to Epinal

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 […]

Baulay to Corre Baulay to Corre

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 des Vosges The Canal des Vosges

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 […]

Ecluse de Garde to Baulay Ecluse de Garde to Baulay

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 […]

Creches – sur – Saone to Chalon – sur Saone Creches – sur – Saone to Chalon – sur Saone

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, […]

Vallabregues Lock to Avignon, France Vallabregues Lock to Avignon, France

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 […]

No Departure into the Rhone Today

Winds predicted yesterday arvo 10kn (20km). In actuality 40kn (80km) 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!

Pauillac to Bordeaux, France

  By mid – morning we we upon the river and ‘motoring’ toward Bordeaux. Fifteen months after departing Adelaide and three major ocean crossings later, it was almost with disbelief that we realised we were truly setting out upon the next leg of our adventures: exploring Europe and the Mediterranean. Approximately 5 knots speed of the […]