Tuesday 20th June - Saverne to Lutzelbourg

Skip allowed the crew a lie in, departure time 11 a.m.  We had 8 locks close together to ascend in 30 plus degrees, so hot work for the crew.  We cruised with an all woman German crew on a fairly new hire boat in front of us.  The helmswoman was a bit of a speed freak to say the least and we had to keep up otherwise we were not sure they would wait for us, meaning that we would miss our slot and have to wait at the locks.   Their method of securing themselves in the locks was highly suspect, not keeping the lines tight and the poor boat took quite a bashing as it swung from side to side!  There was a choice of moorings in Lutzelbourg, the first a bit further from the centre of town and the second, one more lock away and closer.  Skip, for some unknown reason, decided on the first option - much to Crews' dismay.  Anyway, after lunch, Gary went into town to try and find a pharmacy and came back very hot, saying it was quite a walk!  After diplomatic discussions, we decided to move on, nearer town for the night - if only Skip would listen to Crew!!  Skip had obviously not got his brain straight today as he managed to lose one of our big fat fenders coming out of our penultimate lock of the day, leaving half of it impaled on the lock gate!!  I think a red card should have been issued!  We re-settled ourselves, Tina and Skip reading on a bench in the shade of a tree and Gary and Crew retired below.  There were two restaurants near the port, so we made a choice and enjoyed a reasonable meal.  We played cards with our digestifs, then bed.

11 km 9 locks 2 3/4 hours