Friday 16th September - Gigny to Chalon sur Saone

Although it was still raining we thought we should set off at our usual time of ten o'clock for the two hour run to Chalon.  At least it dried up somewhat a little later and we arrived in the port at 11.45 a.m.  Searching for space to moor was the next problem - we found one space which we were doubtful would be big enough but the charming Capitaine appeared and, along with a nice Englishman squeezed us in safely, moving the two boats either side of us slightly.  Then we needed to find a space for Cornelis k. - the Capitaine said there was a space near the fuel pontoon but it meant that Henk had to go round again as it was a one way system.  Skip went off to find bread, not telling Crew. I assumed that he had gone to the Capitainerie to pay his dues but, not finding him went to see if Henk was aboard - he was and we shared a drink together, whereupon Skip came back brandishing a baguette!  The Capitaine then came to tell us that a place would become available near us in a while so we waited and Crew stayed on board to help moor while Skip prepared some lunch.  We got Henk settled with the help of the Capitaine and repaired to Aphrodite for lunch.  As the evening weather didn't look too bad we thought we would dine in town.  Chalons' centre involves crossing two bridges  but after the first bridge is 'restaurant street' - there are around twenty places to eat here including one of our favourites, La Borgogne.  Having looked at the menu we all agreed it looked a good choice which, indeed it was, apart from the very slow service!  We decided to eat inside as there was a possibility of more rain, although there were a few hardy souls eating outside some of the other restaurants!  The rain held off and we walked back to the port in the dry, albeit not too warm!  Night apps on board and bed.

21 km 0 locks 1 1/2 hours