So we made it from Dole to our winter mooring place at Blanquarts in St Jean de Losne. The trip from Dole went well even though we hit torrential rain while waiting for a lock to open. But it lasted for less than an hour and then dried up just in time for us to pull up to the fuelling pontoon on the Saone and fill the tank. It was rather a lot of money, (approximately NZ $1300) especially considering it was already a quarter full but well worth it and next year we will be good to go. The rain started again not long after we found our mooring but it is warm. In fact since then it has been hot and humid with stormy skies. It is hard to find a shady spot or a cool breeze but no doubt soon I will be dreaming longingly of warm weather and blue skies. I hear Canterbury has had some snow and freezing temperatures. It should be an interesting transition!
This week we have been getting the boat ship shape, cleaning and washing, ready for the winter. The water here often freezes so there are specific things that need to be done to ensure we come back to a boat that isn’t at the bottom of the marina. We are also hoping to do a few modifications, depending on the quotes we get, so we had a long list for the mechanics.
We have met some lovely people whilst cruising the inland waterways and are eagerly looking forward to next years adventure. But tomorrow it will be time to lock the boat, jump on a train to Paris and on Sunday night cross our fingers and toes and pray to the Standby Gods for a couple of seats down the back on a flight to Hong Kong then to Auckland and eventually Christchurch.
Here are a few pics from the last week or so.
Don’t know what kind of aquatic bird this is but he was very cute!
Here’s the whole team. They cruised up and down the Doubs in strict’ish formation.
Kingfisher I think.
Hotel barge relocating upstream.
The lone sunflower, still smiling but looking a bit sad.
Quirky canal-side garden.
Going downstream makes it an easy trip for the first mate.
Lock in the distance.
One of the most picturesque parts of the canal, coming into Dole.
How’s this for a mini yard glass.
Jazz session on a Sunday night in Dole
Un aperitif pour moi et Le Monsieur.
Part of the Canal des Tanneurs, Dole
It’s hard to stop taking photos in Dole. It’s gorgeous.
The sky just before it pelted down.
Crazy skies in St Jean de Losne.
Next year the name will say Silver Fern. Not Wig Wam!
Blanquarts marina where our boat will moored for the winter.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about this year’s capers on the canals. I will have a bit of a round up of the highs and lows once we get home. We’ve certainly learnt a huge amount this year. It’s been a steep learning curve but an immensely enjoyable one. And the lows have just made the highs shine brighter.
Plus we didn’t sink the boat and you can’t ask for more than that. Cheers!
canalboatdreaming 
Thanks Karen for a wonderfully entertaining and interesting account of your voyage. You have a wonderful turn of phrase and Cathy and I have followed your trip with interest. Talk to you and Alan when you get home. Cheers Polly
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Thanks Polly. Look forward to catching up soon. Love to Cathy x
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What an amazing trip, look forward to hearing all about it over coffee…:)
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I’m looking forward to that coffee 😄
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Sounds like a truly wonderful holiday….. We have had the same in your lovely warm home!! Keep us up to date with your flight details. If all goes to plan we will be at the air port to meet you 3.30 pm on Tuesday.
Good luck and Safe travels, Cheryl xxxx
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks so much Karen. The time seems to have gone so quickly, probably quicker for you guys ! Look forward to welcoming you both home . Phil
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It has gone both slow and fast. Seems an age ago we were in Moissac doing our course. Looking forward to getting home now. See you soon.
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That sounds good Cheryl. Keep your fingers crossed we get on our flights!
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Well done you guys. What an adventure. It might be hard to settle down when you get back.☺
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Yes I think you might be right! We have just walked into our hotel room in Paris. PARIS! This place just takes my breath away.
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Cheers to safe journey home. Have been missing our long chats! Much to catch up on when you are back. Skype show and tell… woohoo!!
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Thanks Sarah. I have missed those long calls too. Bring on a good long Skype sesh. Xx
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Most of all we enjoyed meeting you both and spending time with you. There are some wonderful photos here. Ask the marina about an additive for all that fuel – there’s a thing called diesel-bug that can form in fuel that stands for a long time.
Really looking forward to seeing you both again, but also keeping in touch and hearing about NZ in the winter.
xxx Lots of love from Caroline and Rog (and Banjo) aboard Foxy Lady
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It was lovely meeting you too Caroline. Keep up the Facebook page and your creative outlets. You are very talented! (We bought some fuel additive before we left St Jean de Losne). Enjoy the rest of your time in France and hope to see you guys next year.xx
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