Roaming on the Rhone (1)

Hello readers from the mighty River Rhone, home of strong currents, strong winds (the Mistral from the North and the Scirocco from the South - which come without warning), several hydroelectric power stations (which open their sluices with no warning), cavernous locks and other horror stories.  For all the above reasons, and for the first time on this trip since our Channel crossing, First Mate has been inclined to wear her life jacket - it is obligatory in the locks in any case.  No reflection Skipper's boat handling - just something she feels sensible to do, so read on for the latest!

Monday 15 July - Macon to Lyon
An early start for us on another warm and sunny morning - the Saone was like a millpond.  Macon Marina is large and spacious so First Mate fancied her chances of taking "Reward" off the mooring and into the river.  Lots of room to manouvre and Skipper congratulated her on her sublime boat handling!  "Splodge" and "Flightline" followed a little later and caught up with us at the second lock and overtook us to arrange moorings at Lyon.  We had a great cruise down the very pretty Saone and arrived at Lyon PdP, a new marina along the lines of London's Docklands with a shopping mall - a smaller version of Bluewater.  We all had an quiet evening as it had been a long day. 

Locks: 2 (205)
Miles: 50 (601)

British contingent at Lyon (Reward, Kitty Rose, Flightline and Splodge)

Tuesday 16th - Lyon:  The crews from "Splodge" and "Reward" went ashore to wander around the Old City which was beautiful.  We went by ferry and returned by tram - fab.  I think Lyon beats Paris as a City hands down - beautifully designed and symmetrical - here's an aerial view: 

Lyon skyscape

The Lioness at Lyon

A short stroll from here was the Rhone - I can't think off hand which other City has two major rivers?  We could see the current from the bridge - a bit faster than the Saone as all the recent flood waters had subsided,  The water was a beautiful shade of turquoise, draining directly from the Alps - quite inviting on such a hot day!  There was an outdoor lido on the riverbank - the French do have a certain style that's for sure.

The lovely Robert and Carol from "Flightline" invited "Splodge" and "Reward" aboard for wine and cheese as a 'thank you' for the Bastille Day invitation.  Their Broom 42 is the epitome of comfort.  They used to own a Southerly 105, the slightly smaller sister of "Reward" and enjoyed many years of sailing.  They put on a lovely spread for us and we were thoroughly spoiled - wine of all colours flowed - thanks to them for a wonderful evening - cheers! 

Robert and Carol on "Flightline"

Wednesday 17 July - Lyon to Condrieu
The Rhone beckons today - yikes!  "Reward" was up for an early start again as rain clouds made an appearance.  "Splodge" followed a little later and "Flightline" decided to stay for an extra day.  We caught up with Chris and Ros on "Kitty Rose", a British couple on a lovely Dutch steel cruiser that we'd met at Lyon.  In fact, we had a very pleasant cruise down the Rhone - the vineyards that provide Cotes du Rhone along this stretch are evident - such beautiful scenery.  We were travelling at 14km ph, averaging 8+ knots - that's pretty nippy for us.  We had two locks to contend with featuring our favourite floating bollards - easy peasy!  Another first: First Mate steered the boat out of the locks - a little worrying as the walls create a long corridor but the helm responds really well so our exits went without a hitch.  We arrived at Condrieu PdP and went ashore to explore the wine-tasting opportunities but we were a bit jaded from last night's soiree so we'll earmark that for another time!

Locks: 2 (207)
Miles: 25 (626)

I'll update you with more exploits from the Rhone a little later in the week.  We should be in Mediterranean France next week which is great - Spain is calling!  Over & out for now shipmates...