Douai to Bassin Rond

Monday 16 May 2016 (Public Holiday – Pentecost Day)

31 kilometres, 3 locks, 5 hours

Awoke to a grey and cool morning but the weather report had predicted warmer and clearer weather later. Elle was surrounded by a thick mat of green weed which apparently has floated down from the Arras canal.

Anyway, nine o clock sharp we push off from the side as hard as we can, trying to escape the weed to make sure it is not sucked into the strainers; despite having warmed up the glow plugs, it was a bit tense ‘push-starting’ the boat while being directed towards the canal side by the strong current. Just in time the engines kicked into life and, regaining control, we putted down the waterway, squeezed between two big barges,

Tight fit!

passed through three big locks

and once past the weed clogged Arras canal, sailed along Sherwood green banks interspersed by small villages. In the main the water was a lovely colour, almost a slate grey-blue and most inviting.

By 14h00 we were at our destination and moored up in the delightful surrounds of Bassin Rond (N50,225595 E3,29758) – out came the quadcopters and Ian (with his uber special Phantom) took some really great stills and video (too big to post here).

Bassin Rond 'bay'.

Ian flying from aboard Njord

Bassin Rond from the air - we are the two boats right of picture

A late lunch/early supper after which Ian kindly serviced our windlass and, in the fading light of day, we were in bed by ten. A lovely day.