A Communication Vacuum

Day 16

Thursday  11th July 2013



Bain les Bains

Bains-les-Bain

The Romans settled here, near the mineral springs, during the Gallo-Roman period.

It was destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1682, explaining the absence of precious construction. However, a small heritage is left: several fountains, wash houses and stone troughs filled with flowers enhance the street landscape.



Bain les Bains

Another intense day of closely spaced locks. Our "etudients" had been disrupted enough by the heavy workload of the uphill staircase. It was time to take the reigns and allow them to study.

 

We found ourselves without any connectivity today. No phone or Internet...We could not send messages, or even contact the VNF regarding lock malfunctions. We were in our own bubble.

But phone apps and weather forecasts are superfluous here anyway ........ We have the ol' trustworthy and incredibly accurate barometer to predict the slightest change.

Program wise, we are currently a half a day behind.

 

 

 

G and I worked like a " well oiled team".

We negotiated the locks with streamlined efficiency. It was a joy today, ......the scenery was still gob smacking, the strong comradeship between us strengthened and the crew below were focused.
 

We both confirmed how addictive this  " boating business" was. We had found our future. Neither one of us wanted it to end...especially me.....I felt a heavy burden and a very deeply embedded dread.......

By now, I was "match fit". Hours on my feet, lifting and walking constantly....and absolutely NO dozing! Physically I was hitting my straps, mentally on top of my game, emotionally calm on the surface but numb inside.

 

Shopping must be expedient. Whereas I would always price check, never buy at little grocery stores and certainly never stock up at a petrol station, here we are not afforded the luxury of choice. The outrageously priced receipt is filed in memorabilia.

 

Maddi knew exactly what buttons to press to send particularly Ali into uncontrollable, hysterical and contagious laughter. An infamous "U Tube" video, featuring a well known New Zealand skate boarder,  talking in terms of minutes, was one of her inspirations. The phrase: " NEK MINIT", having gone viral and been coined and imitated everywhere, found new meaning and definition on board. It made light of so many potentially worrying moments. Laughter is wonderful medicine.

A pair of clowns

 

Fontenoy le Chateau was a magnificent location. Le Boat, the hire company, was fittingly represented here ....consequently, we saw our fair share of hire boats and were grateful they were coming from the opposite direction, thus emptying the locks.



Fontenoy le Chateau. Hire boats queued on the left.

Fancy this mobile home moored at Fontenoy le Chateau?



Fontenoy le Chateu



Fontenoy le Chateau

 

We had a couple of delays today, locks which didn't perform, but we were fortunately well attended by VNF vans who continued to service the boating population.

At 4:38, we said goodbye to the "Vosges Department" and hello to "Franche Compte".

 

It was another standout day! Finished at Pont du Bois, lock 39

 

 

Breath taking surrounds continue

A residence located right on the bend of the canal

The effort made with floral displays at Lock Keeper residences

G and I watched the French movie "Papillon" whilst the 2 "Bones" addicts absorbed the last special features disc. 

The French dialogue was simple, the discoveries were innocent and touching and steadfast morals were upheld. A totally delightful movie. Here, the caterpillar was revered...... I wondered just how they got to be so darned resilient !! ...how in a completely rarefied environment on our boat, with just a few pots of herbs to munch on, they could survive!

Every morning I wipe the bench clear of multitudes of minuscule caterpillar poo. I examine the pock marked leaves of the basil......thankfully these critters were tiny.

 

Updated Totals: Locks: 25

Overall: 191 out of 218

 

Distance: 28 km

Overall: 780 out of 959