Pompey to Pagny-sur-Meuse

38 kms, 18 locks, 1 lift bridge

Rain.  Rain. Rain.  Well, that’s a bit unfair, it was just drizzle, but just as wet. Please forgive the quality of the few pics I took today.

We left the pontoon at Pompey at about 8.45, knowing that the locks only operate from 9.00.  As we approached the lock we saw 2 red lights: not in service for a protracted period (i.e. overnight) . 9.00 came and went, still 2 red lights.  At 5 past I called on the radio, no response.  

Waiting for the lock keeper to arrive

Something interesting to look at - an old lock alongside the over flow which appears from underneath a building

 Eventually, bingo:  one red light and one green light.  Ah, it’s Sunday morning, I guess the lock keeper was not in a great rush this morning.  Or else he went to cast his ballot in the presidential election.   Anyway, the lock gates opened and in we went.

We had a really easy trip through all 18 locks today.  Most of them were already prepared and the light turned green as we approached so we could just cruise on in. 

A lovely chateau on the Moselle River

It would be so lovely in the sunshine

Another old building with a magnificent view

At one of the big locks on the Moselle we heard some chatter on the  radio so we knew there were other boats heading for the lock, and I gathered that there was more than one.  Fortunately, the lock keeper allowed us through first and we saw a barge and a pleasure boat waiting for the lock as we exited.

At Toul we turned  off the Moselle River onto the canalised Meuse River, which at this point is part of the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. 

An old bridge across the canal

The ramparts of the old city with the lock in the background

The ramparts continue around what must have been the old moat

 We had a flight of 12 locks to negotiate but they are automated and as you exit one lock it activates the next one in the chain.  

Always something interesting to contemplate - how about the intricate roof line of this old house

Then there was a short tunnel (also tied into the lock chain automation) 

What a delight

And by 4.15 we were tied up at Pagny-sur-Meuse.  We were here 12 days ago on our outward journey.  Nice quiet spot with a good free pontoon and free water.