Barge Date:  07-14-2021

On Through the Rain

Strange, one day to the next. Since day one on this canal we have had weeds everywhere.  There is normally a channel up the middle of the water that is mostly clear but the sides are deep with long stringy plants. Many canals in France have this problem.  For some boats it interferes with the engine cooling. At a minimum it takes more  power to just go up through the channel as the weeds retard the flow of water to the prop.

But the morning leaving Plombieres the water is totally clear.  And it has been through the next 15 locks. Why is this the case? Beats me. But it is a lot nicer to have this clear water ahead of you.

The boat is working well.  Still can't blow the horn.  Minor problem with the electric toilet but that is understood and under control. Been asking for some help with the battery monitoring system and hope to have that under control soon too. Been cool and grey today so I started the diesel fireplace and it lit up like a charm. Both bikes now have working tires and are ready to go.

Last night we had a meal across from us on the canal at some fancy place. The plate art work was interesting with the use of wild flowers and pea compote.  The food was just so so.

Today we did 9 locks by 1pm and then took the lock worker on board to have our lunch.  He works for VNF for six months of the year and then he tries to write movie scripts.  He is giving it a good try.

July 14 in France today; all day in fact. We are in a little country village, it is raining and we probably will not see or hear fireworks. We will hold here tomorrow since it is supposed to keep raining, and then move ahead. Big tunnel coming up soon.

New view from the wheelhouse without the dingy.