LA MEUSE AND FLOODING

We've been in a bit of a hurry recently to get upstream and off La Meuse due to the time of the year. Looking at the canalised river we pondered, why are there absolutely no boats moored for winter and why are the various communes removing pontoons and even bottle banks close to the canal. Later in a conversation with the captain of the Port Plaisance in Revin she said we should 'go quickly before the winter rain starts.' Looking around as we progress up La Meuse we see the signs of flood levels such as the recent flood levels in the photo below. So it was foot hard down as we had 270km to do before we can leave the canal, with no chance of a turn off. I admit 270 km does not sound much but with the number of locks we only average 30+ km per day. There is a single turn off down the Canal des Ardennes, however this is closed at the moment for maintenance until mid December and that's far too late.

Recent flood levels in a lock. Oh la la!

The rains came. Where is the canal and where are the fields?

Yes the rain and floods did come! Not quite sure why they were so violent and fast to arrive, literally overnight. It must have rained a lot elsewhere or we feel the river authorities were planning for the winter and releasing water prior to the main winter rains? We were quite a way up La Meuse when they arrived only hitting us in the last 50 km. Fortunately quite a lot of the last section is lateral canal, hence less flow. There were sections, however, where the flow was very fierce and we were pleased to get into a lock cut. Revs up and keep in a straight line away from the barrages.

Good news we have our own private lock keeper. He is assigned to us for as long as we like, well that's cool. The thing is not all the locks on La Meuse are 'automatisée' some are manual!! Well manual means someone else does all that winding stuff. Get off the boat! No way.

Margaret relaxing while the éclusier does the work.

Flooding aside La Meuse has been very attractive with stunning mountains coming straight down into the canal. Fortunately we had good weather into the beginning of November some days definite shorts and T shirts. The weather has now changed to normal, only a couple more short canals and on to Nancy for hivenage.

A pretty shot of 3 good friends! on the banks of La Meuse.