Barge Date:  09-16-2018

Leaving - 2018

I am here in Strasbourg for a week before I depart for Paris to fly home with Delta.  Understand a storm may await me.

Lots to do to close up the barge for the year.  I worry about it and then will worry all winter whether I did everything correctly.  Some steps are important and they have to do with water. Water tanks must be nearly empty.  Water lines must be drained. Incoming water lines from the canal and water that goes back to the canal normally have a sea cock that must be closed so water does not fill the boat while no one is on board to see a problem.

We have a bilge pump in the engine room and will be having an additional one placed forward of the engine room bulkhead.

I will change the oil in the engine and will get to use the new spin-on oil filter.  Should take me 10 minutes start to finish.  The canal water that cools the engine must be supplemented or replaced with liquid that will not freeze. This is done by closing the inlet valve and pouring in the anti-freeze while the engine idles; keep adding till you can see it begin to leave the discharge port.  Will take 2 people as someone - me - must be in the engine room while someone turns on the engine, checks the discharge then turns off the engine.

Will be getting a new how water heater, new water pump (220v), and I have selected new fabric for the cushions in the wheelhouse.

Will lock everything up and give the keys to the marina staff.

Will take the TGV fast train to the Paris airport on Sunday, stay overnight, then face the French officials on Monday morning. Wink, wink, nod, nod? Hope they all had a good weekend. Then it is Atlanta and having to explain why the suitcase is filled with Belgian waffles.

I was told a hire boat drove his ship up and over the dock. Boat is OK.