CANAL SAINT DENIS

Even Paris has its navigation moments. Fortunately we have a new navigation system on board. Legal requirement this year. It's called AIS (Automatic Identification System) and shows in real time information about other boats. Similarly they are able to 'see' us. If used properly it's great, giving information about the boat name, speed, size, cargo, destination etc. Going round a blind corner it's good to know that a 1000+ tons 110x10m monster is bearing down on you.

Geoff and John looking very concerned about our entrance to the 'very' small écluse at the entrance to the Saint Denis canal.

Once in the Saint Denis canal it's lock after lock and not the the best part of Paris. The final lock before our mooring is the 9.94m Pont de Flandre écluse. It's very challenging as there are only small hooks in the wall which had to be changed 5 times during the assent. The water fills the lock from below which pushes any boat all over the lock.

John and Margaret looking relaxed before they knew how difficult it was going to be.

All turned out well and we have a good mooring in La Villette opposite the park.