Barge Date:  07-05-2021

On the Move

We have made the first leg of this year's travels.  Departed Auxonne with a little help from the captain using his little boat as a tug. The wind was very strong all day and this would be the first of two assists we would need to get through the day.

Made a few mistakes as we progressed. For our first lock both Marianne and I forgot to note on which side of the lock the signal mechanism was located. With a bit of pushing we were able to reach the metal rods that control the filling or emptying of the lock. Travel on the Petite Saone was a pleasure.  Passed a few rental boats and some fishermen.

We reached Saint Jean de Losne in just a few hours. Here we were hoping to have some metal work done on our rails around the boat.  We have four bollards at various locations that are under the rail. When not careful the line you are working ends up going  over the rail. I want to cut out a short section - 5 or 6 cm -  so the line will pass through the rail. We were told by H2O that this is a quick job and we would be on our way by Wednesday morning.  After some miscues on where to tie up we found our-selves between two boats that H2O is working on. I hope they are true to their word.

Had two nice meals in town.

Tuesday  noon and no one has approached the boat to take a look.  Marianne did speak to a worker  inspecting the boat next to us so maybe that will help.

Walked around the work basin to see what is here.  Five large hotel boats are tied up or out of the water. Business must be zero. The boat pictured below has a history of unfortunate events.  Several months ago she tipped over. Took a lot of work to get her back up.  Not sure the owner knows what has happened. Signs of a fire somewhere in the past.

 

Around the towns everyone is wearing masks in the stores and restaurant (until food arrives). The weather continues to be unkind.  Today grey skies and rain off and on; temperatures in the high 60s.

And as I type the work on the railings begins.