Abbaye d'Aulne and Thuin on Haute Sambre, Belgium 9-17 July The big news is that I have fallen off my bike and broken my upper arm. Yes, I am sore, uncomfortable and feeling pretty stupid. Those who know me well know that I have broken something in each of the last four years. Not weak bones, just momentary lapses of concentration. Anyway the story of this is later in the blog. We are currently on the Haute Sambre in Belgium, a lovely quiet river that goes into France, but isn't navigable all the way so we will have to return this way. Our first stop on the Haute (upper) Sambre was at Abbaye d'Alune on Tuesday. Our mooring was just after the lock, and was a lovely spot. Howard went fishing the next morning and then he and Poo did jobs on the boat, including the final ones required for our CVB. At about 3:30 we headed off to visit the Abbey ruins, which were really interesting. The Abbey itself was sacked during the French revolution and only small parts of it are restored and used for other purposes now. In the evening we went out for dinner which was really lovely. We left on Thursday morning for Thuin. Chris and Diana on Esme were already in Thuin and had a place for us in front of their lovely barge. We had a quiet afternoon, while Sue and Poo looked around the town. Then Diana invited us onto Esme for a vegetarian curry. Poo and Sue bought dessert from the boulangerie. It was a lovely evening. Then on Friday Poo and Sue left by train to Noyons in France In the afternoon Howard and Chris combined all their hoses to make one that was 130m long so we were able to take water on board both barges ... ... and then, we were able to get power too using cables from both boats - only about 110m. On Saturday we walked up to the old town and had a look around. It has an impressive Belfry tower, and what they called hanging gardens. We had heard that there would be water jousting in Lobbes so we cycled there on Sunday - only about 4kms to investigate. No sign of water jousting, so after having a look around we headed home. When we were almost at the bridge near home, there was a speed bump which I took too fast and went flying over the handlebars of my bike. Luckily a helpful and friendly Belgium lady was there who called an ambulance for us. Howard also called Chris, who walked over to take our bikes home. I was ok if I didn't move, but was in a lot of pain when I moved or tried to sit up. When the pompiers (Ambos) arrived, they spoke almost no English. Luckily my french was sufficient. So we were taken back to Lobbes to the hospital. Even though it was only a few kms it was a very bumpy and difficult ride. At the hospital they were good and efficient and helpful, although no-one spoke much English. They sent us off for an x-ray, but when we got to the radiography department it was locked. After looking around fruitlessly, someone eventually arrived. Theý had been for coffee.! Back in the emergency department the doctor announced that it was broken and proceeded to put a massive cast on me. Then we were sent home by taxi, with an appointment back at the hospital for Friday. I was quite sore and exhausted so I headed off to bed. Chris and Diana taped the Wimbledon tennis final which I was able to watch over the next couple of days. On Monday morning I visited a discount clothing store to buy some clothes that will fit over my huge cast and arm. Friends Charles and Judy on their Barge de Vrouwe Anna Maria arrived after finally getting their gearbox replaced in Abbaye d'Aulne, so we had everyone over for a BBQ dinner. Everyone brought something and it was a great night. It has been a quiet few days as I recover from the fall. I keep finding new bruises, and have been quite shaken up. We did finish the last of our CVB jobs so that is great to have completed. Tonight we will have pizzas for dinner with Chris and Diana and then our next crew arrives tomorrow so we will probably leave. We have really enjoyed spending time with Chris and Diana who are so friendly and helpful. We will miss them. Lovely old house opposite our boat. Needs a bit of work.
5 Comments
Sue Veal
17/7/2019 11:57:03 pm
Oh dear Deb, so sorry to see you have broken your arm. We pray you are not in too much pain and it doesn’t alter your plans too much, hope youmake a quick recovery. Lots of luv Sue and Pete from Budapest xxxxx
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Hazel Toulmin
18/7/2019 05:28:12 am
Oh no!!!!! Hope it heals quickly...there is a pattern here!!!!
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Cheryl Poustie
18/7/2019 05:33:07 am
Oh, Deb!!
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Robyn Coates
18/7/2019 07:53:59 am
Oh I am so sorry to hear this.I hope it heals soon.
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Suzanne Jessup
19/7/2019 02:51:25 am
Oh no! That is such bad luck Deb, I think you are very brave about your injury and I really hope it does not impact on your enjoyment of the next 6 weeks. Take care!
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