Nevers to Cours-Les-Barres

We had planned a late start to time the locks just right (old hands now, don't you know!) and ensure different stopping places on the way back up the canal, so said goodbye to Anita and Albert on 'Coin Perdu' and accepted their kind gift of a no longer used copy of the Guide Fluvial to aid our journey; and this after a lift to the supermarket yesterday in return for a nano-second of translation - thanks guys!

We passed Tracker on route, and breezed the pont canal and double lock, this time accompanied by a really lovely little barge out of the UK, MVuu.

Our planned stop at Cours-Les-Barres turned up some familiar faces, with Rival already in place, as well as Michael and crew on the Mabel-Rose, a UK style narrow boat. The stop is lovely, with landscaped gardens, built in barbecues and cthe usual onveniences, as well as free water and electricity. J was guineapig in the showers - verdict COLD! But all else was great.

The guys on Rival couldn't be more helpful, and gave us pages of info on our new route, and invaluable insights, so thanks so much for that. They and Mabel-Rose also came up with contacts in case we are forced to make the drastic choice of a lift out and transport back to the Saone river should conditions dictate... Finges crossed it doesn't come to that!

All were up good and early to wave goodbye and we set off at sparrows (9.30!!) to get a few k's under our belts in a northerly direction.