We left Langres at 8.50 a.m. In order to be at the first lock around 9 a.m. - the start of some early mornings for Crew!! We ascended our first two locks in good time before approaching the 5 kilometre Balesmes tunnel. It was very disconcerting to find no lights to indicate whether or not we could pass through the tunnel ( it is one-way) so Skip called the VNF and was told it was OK to go. We hung around for a while waiting for some lights to appear but, when they didn't, Skip called again to get the same lady, still saying 'go', this time with a slight sigh!! The thought of meeting another boat......or a commerce!.....was in our minds. We rather like a green light to go on! There followed intense concentration by Skip for 45 minutes. The tunnel was well lit but a bit drippy and humid - the windscreen wipers had to be utilised! In fact it was warmer inside the tunnel than outside. Looking back when we re-appeared, there was a sign saying 'Closed - Incident'.......can't imagine what that was as we heard no other boat behind us!! Scary!
We then had an eight lock flight - going down now - which we did in one and a half hours, although we had to stop the engine twice to clear the filter. There followed three more easy locks to Piepape. The mooring was a Halte Pique-nique, so no facilities. We tried the trick of turning the boat, facing in the opposite direction to find TV reception again - alas, it didn't work this time! The tall trees either side of us might have something to do with it!
We had some lunch then, after failing to enjoy a siesta on the back deck, Skip walked into the village to get some sun on his back!
Dinner on board, DVDs and bed.
21 km 13 locks 4 1/2 hours 1 tunnel
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