After a quick run over the tunnels to Baye and back we are ready to set off at 9 am to descend the Sardy lock staircase The 16 locks are all painted a different colour and many of the lock cottages are occupied by artists and craftsmen.
The trip only takes an impressive 2hrs 50 minutes and I wonder if there is a record time from the top to the bottom. After lunch we continue to Chitry-les-Mines to find a made to measure mooring along the quay β a long day of 28 locks and surprisingly only 12k. Mistakenly we thought Rachel from the N. After rather a lot of talking he squirts a bit of sealer into the gap and charges 20 Euro but hopefully it will do the job. On Thursday we leave the port but with no one around to pay we leave 10 Euro in an envelope and hope the right person receives it.
The scenery is just beautiful and the lock keepers are so friendly with one in particular picking fruit from the trees for me to try. For a change I have to get off the boat to work the lift bridges but with only a button to press they are no problem.
On our way we met up with John and Julia on a barge called Derrineel they have just taken on a part share so when we moor up in Tannay we invite them over for a drink. In the 13th century Tannay was quite famous for selling its Clamecy wines in Paris but disease, war and competition from cattle rearing all contributed to its decline. However the French never say never and a group of enthusiasts decided to bring back Tannay wine and now produce 80, bottles a year and are especially proud of their pinot noir and chardonnay.
On Friday morning we cycle up an incredible steep hill to get to the supermarket but with the cupboards bare there is no choice in the matter and once again we are thankful for all the gears on the bikes to aid us but its a quick return freewheeling all the way before travelling 16 kilometers with 7 locks to Chevroches. Saturday the 16th June after a quick 4.
