Yet More Rain

Cool éclusier

We know we're British and we really should know how to deal with rain - but it's cold as well! The forecast for the next week is more of the same so we've decided to do short trips and moor up at any little village that takes our fancy. We're currently in Fleurie sur Ouche and hopefully the rain will stop long enough for us to explore this (we think) picturesque village.

We were cheered today but the arrival of our 'cool' éclusier, who accompanied us for 3 locks. He insisted on wearing his wrap-around shades even though it was grey and lashing it down and his moped was equipped with a set of Harley Davidson leather panniers, complete with fringes. He disappeared over the horizon before we thought to take a picture!

The slower pace does mean the patchwork is progressing... and by the way, the pimping of the fridges did get completed.

Finally - we're off!

The idea was to leave the Gare d'Eau and start the season's cruising at the end of April. But the best laid plans and all that…. A few days very heavy rain combined with snow melt from the mountains caused the worst floods for 30 years. The river Ouche overflowed its banks and caused widespread flooding - in turn debris was washed into the locks and towpaths damaged and in some cases washed away. 

So the Bourgogne Canal has been closed (together with other canals) and the rivers flowing too fast for navigation. All very reminiscent of Upton and the River Severn…  And of course, boats have been stuck at various moorings along the canal system. So we left it a few days after the canals re-opened for things to settle a bit before venturing onto the Canal.

We enjoyed a surprise visit from Heinz and Ingalill. They were returning south after visiting Sweden. It was so lovely to see them both and to enjoy lunch together.

During April we went along to the Lions Wine and Produce Fair at the local Community Centre, which was very well attended and enjoyed tasting local food and wine. A really good turn out and lots of fun.

Followed by a brilliant birthday celebration for Pauline. 

Then the River Rats BBQ - bright sunshine, good food (including the 46 beef burgers Pete made) and a wonderful festive spirit. 

That was when everybody was sure Summer had arrived - we all dug into the depths of our cupboards to bring out the summer clothes - only to dig out the winter wear again a week or so later.  

Not sure about the hat Steve...

But the combination of warm weather and heavy rain that followed resulted in Spring arriving almost overnight. Beautiful and lush. 

The birdlife is wonderful around the Gare d'Eau and thanks to Caroline and Matthew and the Monday morning walks we now recognise the nightingales singing. We were also privileged to see a long eared owl residing for the evening in one of the trees in their garden. 

April was also the month for Vide Greniers - car boot sales. They're great fun and often have hot food for sale, so you can combine mooching around with lunch. 

Our late departure from the marina meant we and Pauline and Richard were still around to celebrate Helen's birthday  - a fishy affair, garlic prawns followed by moules frites and Eton Mess to really finish us off.  A great evening. 

Helen and Steve are now offering B&B on the Jubilant - it's really luxurious and a good base from which to explore the Burgundy and Jura regions - and they are great hosts. We were really pleased to be able to help them create a new brochure for the venture. 

So finally left on Monday 13th but only to lie alongside Jubilant for a 'send off' meal together.  Then on Tuesday in the sunshine, numerous locks (ah yes, we now remember how to do that) and overnight mooring at Bretenière by Lock 65. 

A great spot close to fuel and supermarket. Grant and Susan on Chocolat had emailed us details of their trip up the Bourgogne which is really useful - lots of information on good places to moor, depths and availability of water.

Ready for the next lock

Then on Wednesday - raining - a relaxing trip to Dijon. Slight delay getting into the basin as the novice éclusier got his paddles and gates in a twist and had to go and seek instructions. Sure he'll get the hang of it eventually. Moored alongside the public quay opposite the island with some very noisy neighbours. 

Now due for an extended period of rain so Dijon town calls.

Saturday 18 May

Unusually for us, we're in the right place at the right time. Our track record is for us to arrive just after a concert, exhibition or fun event has taken place.  But today we got it right. It stopped raining and Dijon was celebrating the pedestrianisation of one of its main streets. It was a bit of a carnival really - and great fun.

Mad Max!

Don't Ask!