Thursday 14th September - Chaumont to Foulain

We had told the VNF that we would leave at 9 a.m. but it was tipping down so we left it for an hour and finally left Chaumont at 10 a.m. after being there for a week.  Unfortunately it was still raining - pretty heavily at times.  After two locks we entered into a manned zone, losing our 'zapper' and a very nice young man was our eclusier with a young lady and another young man joining him at our fifth lock.  They must think we're crazy travelling in this awful weather - if they don't, I certainly do!!!  At least Crew could disappear below between locks but poor Skip got absolutely soaked!  Not only that but it was also very cold!!  The sun actually appeared just before our fourth lock and managed to stay out for our next two locks - what a difference!  But unfortunately just before our sixth lock the heavens opened and really heavy rain fell, soaking everything again......especially poor Skip!  Crew is dreaming of November in Lanzarote!!!!
We arrived in Foulain just before 2 p.m. but as there were only two pontoons which were occupied we had to raft up alongside 'Out of the Blue' a very nice barge flying a British ensign.  The couple, Roger and Yvonne were on their deck, inviting us to go alongside.  We didn't mess about too much with settling in as we wanted to get warm and dry.....Skip, in particular, was completely wet through!
We had a late lunch then later Skip went into the village for a quick look around. There was a boulangerie, a restaurant and a coiffure but Skips' eyes settled on a garage so came back to collect our fuel container, then made two trips for fuel.  Normally we would top up our tanks in a port but that facility has not been available to us on this trip so Skip is getting a little anxious that we are running a bit low.
We decided against trying the restaurant as we had been eating out quite a lot recently so Crew prepared a cottage pie for dinner - winter comfort food!!  We watched a film called Kingsman, which was a bit like a Bond film......needless to say, Skip enjoyed it rather more than Crew!

13.6 km 8 locks 4 hours