Tuesday, 29 May 2018

Monday 28th May - Montchanin to Genelard

We left the mooring at 8.30 but unfortunately didn’t get through our first lock until after nine o’clock as it was faulty - we were travelling with the same German boat as before.  There was bad news from the lock keeper however, the port at Montceau-les-Mines was closed!  We decided on looking at a possible mooring before Montceau but alas, it was full.  After eight locks we were forced to moor just in front of the ninth, on a horrible sloping rocky quay in order to wait for the three lifting bridges after the lock.  They were closed for lunch!  Crew stayed on board whilst the rest of the crew went shopping.  We then had a quick lunch on board before the lock opened.  We passed through the now attractive town of Montceau, mourning what we were missing!  Indeed we passed the newly renovated marina which was not to be re-opened for three days......bad timing by us!!
Although the weather had started grey and rainy, by around two o’clock the sun made an appearance, which improved our mood somewhat, even though the prospect of an extra seven locks made for another long cruising day.
We arrived in Génelard at 4.30 and moored with spikes by a bourne which looked a bit antiquated but nevertheless supplied us with both power and water.  A big bonus......no charge for this!
Gary went for his usual recce but came back disappointed not to find any restaurants available.  He found a boulangerie open however and came back with quiches, bread and a cherry tart.  We were all very tired so relaxed on the back deck with a bottle of Cremant, chatting.
Our evening repast was a very casual affair with bread, cheeses, ham, quiches and salads.  A couple of silly games then bed.

30 km 16 locks  7 hours


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