Dun-sur-Meuse to Mouzon

38 kms, 6 locks

After a short walk to the bakery to buy a baguette, a multi-cereal loaf (that lasts a couple of days) and two apple pastries (treating ourselves for a change!), we left the pontoon just after 9.00.  We are back onto a stretch of the canal where we use the “telecommande” to operate the locks, so no more friendly lock keepers. 

The day started off a bit cooler than yesterday and a little cloudy but really rather pleasant.  This canal/river really is a delight.

A defunct bridge with a hire boat company in its shadow

Three men and a dog - watching us closely

A weir where the river diverges from the canal - there are lot of these and not well marked - I'd hate to take the wrong turn!

Mrs Grebe sitting on her eggs

We saw lots of cows paddling in the shallows

Funny little fishing "boats"

Black clouds gathering - they rained on us when we were in a lock, as usual

Following F1 while underway - our two passions combined - this was morning practice, a live written commentary

We wanted to get to our destination in time to watch qualifying for the Spanish F1 grand prix but at the last lock before Mouzon, we came to a slithering halt.  As we approached the lock the lights showed green and red, i.e. the lock is preparing, and the lock gates opened, but instead of turning to a single green light, 2 red lights came out.  Lock out of order!  

Not knowing who else to call, and still being so close to the manual lock segment, I called them and told them:  ecluse 34 est en panne (lock 34 is out of order).  Ok, he said, he will call the man. 

Meanwhile we were just drifting in a very narrow piece of canal, no bollards to tie up to, not wanting  to enter the lock against the lights.  After 20 minutes of this Ian said “bollocks” so we went into the locks and tied up in there.  

Njord inside the lock, and the bottom lights are also showing "ecluse en panne"

We could see a log of wood jammed inside the lock gate.  It was perhaps 45 minutes after reporting the fault that the VNF man arrived (it was lunch time, by the way!), flicked a few switches, the lock went into action and we waved him goodbye as he battled manfully to get rid of the offensive log of wood. 

All this meant that we would now miss qualy, but as we approached the town we got a strong internet signal, and reached a wide open piece of canal.  So Ian switched the engine off and we drifted while watching the last 10 minutes.

After arriving at the small port de plaisance (€8.40 per night, incl water)

we went for a walk to look at the beautiful basilica.  It is a small but very attractive little town, steeped in history.  Definitely deserves a closer inspection tomorrow.  And my camera started playing up so I’ve got to get more photos.