Through hell and high water

Chalon-sur-Saone

The Saone had been rising outside the marina in Saint-Jean-de-Losne but was still lower than our other wet May three years ago.  The big logs weren’t floating by at the same rate.  We were sick of being stuck there and the dogs had a (hard to come by) grooming appointment down the river in Chalon-sur-Saone on Tuesday so, what the hell, we set off on Saturday.

Actually it was quite relaxing motoring down and we spent a nice night in Seurre, about two hours down river.  We did end up moored the opposite way round than we intended due to swirling currents. Sunday’s travels were smooth as we passed areas where the Saone had burst its banks,  the water birds were happy, even the storks were out, and we kept within the markers taking advantage of the current.

It was the current that got us when we arrived at the port in Chalon-sur-Saone. They directed us to the worst place on the quay where we were promptly swept hard onto the quay and into the boat behind which was not just any boat but an old steel sailing boat with a can-opener for a bow-sprit (it was called Inspiration so you could say: “we were struck by Inspiration”, but please don’t).  So now we have a bent railing, a big scratch in the side, red faces and more experience under our belt. 

We felt like we were dodging bullets by sitting still in the marina in Saint-Jean-de-Losne while the heavens were dumping on the Seine watershed not that far from us. We were hearing about the flood waters in Paris and surrounding areas that included many waterways we had traveled before.  The docks at the Arsenal Paris were underwater. There was a breach in the main canal south from Paris, the Canal du Centre, that would delay travel for months and in places travelling boaters had to tie up to commercial barges to get to shore.  And it was not just France – a tree fell on the row/terrace house next door to our daughter Skye during a big storm in Sydney.  Roof damage to their house crushing electrical hook up and a front wall.  They had to evacuate and were seen on the evening news leaving with the essentials: Child, crock pot with dinner, and a bottle of wine.  They are staying at our house there until repairs are complete and they can go home.

Since then we have been doing more sitting still, enjoying nice weather and this lovely town. The dogs got their haircuts and are ready for summer The river has gone down nearly two metres and the current returned to normal.  We “plan” to set off on Sunday and continue down river into new territory.