Barge Date:  07-04-2021

Life in Auxonne

 We made it to France.  Seems so easy now but that is because there was almost no interest in COVID  and if we had been vaccinated. On leaving, Delta asked almost no questions and at the border booth at the airport they just asked to see Tim's passport (Marianne, in the EU line, had to show her vaccination card).  One night at our hotel near the Gare de Lyon to rest up then the TGV to Dijon where we took  the local train to Auxonne.

The boat looked terrible on the outside but dry as a bone inside.  I have been able to get all the various systems working so we have toilets, electric, gas, etc. The only problem has been engine related.  The 2 batteries were DOA.  A boater down the pontoon gave us the name of the vendor he was using and our 2 new batteries and his 1 were delivered.  We insisted when we  purchased over the phone that they needed to take out the old and put in the new. No problem, they said. This might have been easy had we a better place to put the batteries but no, it is down in the engine room then back on a shelf; no standing room.  The friendly Frenchman who delivered the batteries came alone. He and I dropped the heavy batteries onto a board, slid them over, then had to lift them up.  Not work for an old man.

Changed all fuel filters and water separator but had trouble getting fuel to the last filter. Left it alone overnight and the fuel had made it. Engine caught quickly with new batteries but then died out. Mentioned this to the marina captain and he knew the problem immediately. He got his tools and came over and showed me where to let even more air out of the delivery route to the cylinders.  I learned something. Now everything is working except the horn.  Found a wasp nest in trumpet and cleaned it out. I am still trying to get it going.

Was concerned that the fuel might have water or bugs in it.  Drew some fuel out of the sumps on each fuel tank and it looked like virgin olive oil.  Perfect.

Boater down the way let me use his electric power washer.  Had a lot of power and I was surprised how well it worked so I bought one.  Great at stripping loose paint. But the exterior paint looks old and weathered.  Will need to do some work.  The deck paint is peeling badly but I will not attempt any work on it other than to pressure wash the loose stuff.  Wood on wheelhouse is looking bad.

Was able to get rid of the dingy.  Looked good in red on the cabin roof but holes were a problem.  Now we have a more sleek look.

All the little do-dads I have made for the boat are being used and making everything better looking and doing what they were made to do.

The marina is a bit dead. Other than the people on rented boats coming in for the night just a few other occupied boats. The weather has been off and on rain and too cold for us. Rich knew we were in France and gave us a call. Have spoken with the kids. Had a visit with Lon and Pat on C.A.R.I.B (Chill And Relax It's Bargetime)  They live in St  Pete, Fl so not far away. They have departed to Belgium - if they can get in - and Holland. 

This being July 4 we are waiting for fireworks.  May have to wait until July 14.

Then on the 5th we start the summer tour.