Pont Remy, Long, Picquigny FR 27 May - 2 June 2022 On Friday we headed back upstream, to start our journey back along the Somme. We found the steering much easier around corners as we had the current working to make our rudder more effective. But we did have a few places where the current was running over 4kms an hour, slowing us down considerably. We intended to stop at Abbeville and had been told by the Somme PCE that no-one was on that mooring, but when we arrived there were 3 boats on the mooring and no room for us. Apparenty they were all leaving at 2pm, but that didn't help us. We decided to continue to Pont Remy which was only about 90 minutes further along the canal. Before we left Saint Valery we watched a cormorant try to swallow an eel that he had caught. He got it all down but the last 10-20 cms. We left him struggling with that last bit. If he couldn't get that down he may die. With the corners being fairly straight forward going upstream I was able to take time off the helm and catch a few photos. Coming into Pont Remy the current was as fast as we'd seen slowing us down to just over 3 km/hr. We had to go through the 2 stage lock here. The first stage had nothing to tie onto, although it looked like an attempt had been made to provide something, but as the water was too low for them to float they weren't much use to us. The second stage was just a standard lock. We were pleased to arrive at the mooring in town and there was no one there. The mooring is right opposite the ruin of a chateau, which is a lovely view from the boat. It is on the bike route so many people cycling past, or stopping for a break at the picnic tables. A couple of other notable buildings in town. On Sunday rain was forecast so we decided to head onto Long. This wasn't a long trip and we didn't need to go through any locks as we decided to moor below the lock at Long, where we had moored on the way up. We did a few jobs in the afternoon and watched some of the French Open Tennis. By the evening the rain had cleared so we cycled into the town. There was a large mooring available, and Howard thought the fishing would be better, so we decided to move up in the morning. In the morning, one boat was leaving Long so we came up the lock after they left and we had plenty of space to moor, although we were joined in the afternoon by a cruiser. It was a lovely day for painting, not to hot with occassional clouds, so we got a lot of work done on the boat. And exciting we finished the back deck enough to be able to finally set up our table, which for me is one of the main attractions of our boat. On Tuesday we did more jobs on the boat until the rain arrived at about 2:30. I did find time for a bike ride to some of the nearby fishing lakes and back. On Wednesday we set off to Picquingy. In places the current was quite fast, but we made good time and moored above the lock. Thursday was a painting day. But we had a lovely sunset. And are ready to pick up our first guest of the year on Friday. Update on the Paint Saga
After chasing up a number of times, we have finally located the missing box of paint, which was returned to the sender. So they will send it again. This time to our address in the Netherlands, where Howard will pick it up in Mid June when he returns for a fishing match. Update on my Foot It still hurts - the more I walk the more it hurts. Doesn't seem to be getting better or worse. We are still getting around to see many things on the bikes, and I am doing sitting down preparation and painting work when available.
3 Comments
Hilary
5/6/2022 06:52:18 pm
Stunning sunset photo, but what really wowed me was the mooring across from the ruined chateau. I hope you are fully enjoying this after being gone for so long - the retirement fantasy 150% actualized!
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Richard Switzky
5/6/2022 07:07:56 pm
Thanks for posting. I LOVE following your travels. I sure hope your foot improves! Safe passage.
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Andrea Thomas
5/6/2022 11:57:50 pm
Sunset photo is stunning. Calender worthy I think. Such a really cold snap here in Melbourne ATM. Be extra glad that you are away. Frustrating that your foot is not improving and seemingly no definitive diagnosis. Enjoying reading about your travels.
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