SNORK MAIDEN (b)log

So yesterday - back in the water, courtesy of M. Philippe Julien and his 3-wheel travel lift. I invited Desislava & Frederick - I met her in Pune and she and Frederick moved from Paris to the tiny village of Villedoux last year. Villedoux is just a few Kms from Marans - and Charron. They were both completely new to boats and so were wide-eyed with it all. It was nice to have their company, and Frederick was able to give me some help with the lines. Approaching the Brault lifting bridge, a bit later than I said we would be, the bridge remained obstinately closed, and the indicator light red. I asked Desislava to rummage in my bag and find my iPhone and asked Frederick to speak to the lock / bridge keeper. Oh yes, just wait a bit and I'll open it when I've finished with the lock... So we circled a bit and then up it went, with a line of huge lorries waiting for us to amble through. The lock was empty and our entry smooth and calm - all lines in the right place this time. The lock keeper (not needed this time) came down for a nice manly chat with Fred - very happy to describe the complete mess I made on the way out - he omitted to mention that he could have moved his backside a bit sooner and helped out! He also explained that the swing bridge was sticking a bit! Eventually it juddered open, I let go the forward line, the mid line and finally the stern and we swung smoothly out into the centre of the lock and on out into the canal.

The canal on a good day like this is really beautiful, tranquil apart from the thrum of the engine - it is possible to take the quiet route if the wind is nicely behind you. Next time, maybe we will try it!