Bourbonnais: en route to Briare

Hello folks!  We've left the lovely Montargis and are en route to Briare, where the Canal de Briare will take us over the Loire valley via an acqueduct - can't wait for that - a real highlight for us.  We're a couple of days away from that.  After the last two, long, hot days we decided that 12 locks pd is too much for us so we've opted for 6-8 pd.  These locks are more demanding than those we've been in previously.

Wednesday 19 June - Montargis to Chatillon-Cotigny
We left fairly early as there was a backlog behind us so we cast off at 0830 and travelled with another boat through the locks.  We passed a deer that had fallen into the canal and trying desperately to get out - there was nothing we could do for it but we alerted the eclusiere upstream. 

This set of locks is only big enough for 2 boats at most so we were concerned - our boat shape means we need a certain position in the locks so we can get good lines fore and aft to keep us central in the lock - too far forward or astern means our mast ends are at risk from the lock gates and/or to other boats!  We tried to explain this to the VNF chap but as we approach high season we had to share the lock with another boat - we did, though, get front position to give us options so that was good. 

Each of the locks today took us 20-25' up and there were 8 ahead of us so quite an ascent as we approach the Loire valley.  The first two were manned so that wasn't too bad but the rest were automated with only one ladder (there's usually two - one each side) the opposite side of the automatic levers - nightmare!   This meant Skipper had to climb the ladders with our lines and pass them back to me aboard.  Imagine: slimy ladders about 20' in height, two sets of lines in your hands .... at 9am!  It was really stressful - not least with another boat up your kyber with not much room between us.  I was really anxious about this set-up but Skipper is a gazelle and has been up lock ladders more than I've had hot dinners.  It also meant that while Skipper was on the quayside I was at the helm holding fast in challenging conditions but I did well and avoided some otherwise near scrapes. 

After 4 locks like this we were relieved that lunchtime arrived and we moored at the lovely Montbuoy halte.  The other boat arrived shortly afterwards and no doubt decided to hang back so they could have the lock to themselves too - better for all concerned.  As it turned out the final two locks of the day were manned and the eclusieres lowered boat hooks to take our lines - thank God! 

A relieved First Mate in the final lock for the day

Shortly thereafter we arrived at Chatillon-Coligny halte - a free mooring which included power and water.  There was a nice little town nearby for supplies, etc.  Our timing was perfect as, soon after we moored and showered aboard, the heavens opened - literally.  We were in the eye of a storm (forecast) but you never think it'll be as bad as all that but, boy, was it?!!!  Dark skies, high winds (approx. 40 knots) and torrential rain meant we had to double up our lines pronto so Skipper went ashore in bare feet (safer than shoes in these conditions) and was out there for 10 minutes during which time he told me firmly to stay inside.  I felt useless and was terrified he'd slip into the canal but, fortunately he returned safely - and drenched - in fact, wetter than after his shower!  A set of dry clothes were needed and a warm cuppa to restore his spirits!

We went ashore after the rain had stopped and met a British couple who were camping in the site opposite the moorings (in a tent!) who told us that the Mayor had heard of their plight and personally invited them to stay in the council rooms for the night because of two storms - the region was on amber alert!  The second, fortunately, was benign.  I wonder if our kindly Mayors/Councillors would be so considerate ...

Overall, a stressful day and we're looking forward to a better experience tomorrow but you never know what the locks have in store for you until the gates open! 

Locks: 8 (total 81) 
Miles: 15 (total 302)

I'll do a separate post for the next part of the journey to Briare so tune in soon folks!