After a leisurely breakfast, we were ready to cast off in the direction of Meaux at 11.30 - despite not being sure the lock would be open between 12 and 1pm. Ahhh, the pleasure of a day out rather than our usual itinerary based navigation! And a wee preview of the next step of our journey to boot - bonus!
So, on arriving at the first lock at 11.55 the keeper advised over the VHF that there was no lunchtime closure and we went right in. This section is a lock in - tunnel - lock out procedure, and we then heard on the VHF the keeper at the other lock ask for clarification, and say he was about to go for lunch, but he'd wait until we were through... Thank you!
J really enjoyed having a deck hand for the day so Pop was on the rope locking up, doing a sterling job! And Roxy also appreciated a new knee to sit on, since she now no longer had a bench to herself!
Another tunnel, and it was interesting to learn of the difference here compared to my parents last trip on UK canals, with the O's (much love x) - where the tunnels are super long, very dark, with icy water falling on your head the full length. Sounds fun ;-)
Due to our late start we opted for sarnies on route rather than in Meaux, and it was a good move! We got to our planned mooring spot just outside town at 13.30 - a pontoon with a huge bollard sign, but not a bollard in sight, so improvised mooring in place we set off walking into town to take a look round. And that is when the rain came!
Ducking into a PMU for a cuppa was as far as we got, and having waited for a break we rushed back to the boat and headed for 'home'.
This time the new deck hand excelled himself with the rope throwing skills and although it was a wet journey home it was great fun.
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