LOCKS, LOCKS AND MORE LOCKS

La Moselle is huge and its adjacent canal now called Canal des Vosges (it's had various names) rises continuously, with lock after lock after lock. We already had a virtual staircase of 19 locks on the first section from Nancy. Most of the locks are spaced 1 to 2 kilometres apart so progress is slow. Does it matter? No. However, we have been stuck in or in front of a few locks due to malfunction. There are no éclusiers, lock keepers, on this canal, we have a remote control. When a breakdown occurs, no problem, climb onto the lock side and press the communication button on the control pad and a short conversation later usually ends with 'Man arrive, au revoir'. Most problems are due to such mundane facts as a large branch is jammed behind the lock gate, so the gate will not open/close properly which effects the electronic sensors. I am now looking for a job in VNF as I usually clear the floating debris before the gates open to avoid problems!

We are now at Épinal which is lovely and have to notify VNF before we set off as we have another very close flight of 15 locks to go over the top! Well it is literally over the top as we will for the first time be going down to the Mediterranean. How exciting! All the time since arriving in France we have been under the influence and rising from the Atlantic or La Manche.

A well worn mooring in a lock. I don't think we were the first here.

The thought of the Mediterranean is hardly concealed.