Saturday 10th June - Mulhouse to Kembs

We had arranged to be at our one and only lock today at 10 a.m., along with two other boats, so we left at 9.45 and slipped in behind them.  The eclusier was German of course which flummoxed us a bit since we were still in French mode - he asked all sorts of questions about the boat and where we were stopping - we planned 2 nights in Kembs but he said there was a kayak race happening on Sunday, so we could only stay for one night......plan B already!  The large steel cruiser at the front was crewed by a nice German couple and as Crew was talking to the crew on the little motor sailer, she realised that they were Dutch, so that made it slightly easier - Crew lived in Holland for a year (many years ago it has to be said) but still retained a few words!  We finally descended the lock without a problem.  So now just a leisurely two hour cruise to Kembs.  We were greeted by a very friendly Capitaine, Gabriel, who helped us tie off and said he would be back shortly whilst we settled ourselves.  We thought there was a bar just across from us so went to investigate (very warm by now you understand) but it was a huge Peniche, used as a restaurant with the Capitainerie behind it.  We asked if we could book a table for tonight but the answer came 'complet', hardly surprising for a Saturday night.  As there was no mention of any kayak racing, Gabriel said we could stay for two nights in this delightful little port, so we booked a table for tomorrow night at the  Whilst Crew was  enjoying her siesta, Skip went into town to book a table in Le Petit Kembs, the other restaurant in town.  We dined on a delightful terrace in this family run restaurant, which also served as their garden. We had expected there to be a 'menu' but alas, no......so we just had starters and main course.  The starters were very good and the main very acceptable but fairly expensive.  The waiting staff, mother and daughter we think, the chef being the father, were very attentive and accommodating!  Digestifs and a DVD before bed.

20 km 1 lock 2 1/2 hours