Peruwelz to Thieu: Canals Nimy-Blaton-Peronnes & Du Centre

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Engine checks having been done yesterday an early start to the forthcoming 33 kilometre voyage was not in order but by 08h40 we were on our way, narrowly missing being ahead of a slow moving commercial but something which turned out eventually to be a boon. Chug, chug, chug at 8 kph we went, up the canal Nimy/Peronnes/Blaton, past the turning to the delightful Blaton/Ath canal which leads north down the Dender to Aalst,

Turn off to Aalst

Traffic ahead.

and eventually, to Ghent, past the big bay where the Mons port is ensconced,

Royal Club Nautique Mons-Borinage

through the two big locks behind the same (impeccably behaved) barge which we had missed fronting at the exit from Peruwelz

and just before the massive lift at Thieu, crabbed into the tight little lock at the base of the old ascenceur lift near the Yacht Club Des Ascenseurs,

 and tied up at a most delightful quay right at the foot of the fourth of the old lifts – and who should be moored there but Kabouter the lovely barge we had last seen in Fintele in November last year.

Assisted with our mooring lines by Peter and warmly greeted by his wife too (never judge people on first non-meetings), they immediately turned us green with envy describing their ascent up the big Strepy-Theiu lift and the decent down the four ‘antique’ lifts which are only open over the weekend.

Bikes unloaded we took a ride through the area (hills!) and two hours later we were back aboard for a spagbol supper and an early bedtime after a long but really fascinating day – the Kabouters have made us change our travel plans. Weather dependent (and some really windy days ahead) we will depart here as late as possible on Friday and on Saturday proceed up the big Strepy-Thieu lift, down the four old lifts, back up the big’un, and hopefully make the Port de Plaisance Bellecourt by evening. Sunday we will try for Port d’Auvelais which is close to Namur.

With the sun going down and the wind picking up quite strongly and a fab Walloon radio program entertaining us with jazz, pop and country oldies it’s g’night for now.

(PS: Posted on 1 June because my laptop screen bombed out and we have spent the past week looking for a computer 'facility' to remedy the situation - more about that later. Suffice to say we are working off an ancient, 2nd hand Acer monitor which the 'shop' gladly rid themselves of for E50. Sooo happy with the price though!)