April
| 
Before starting our cruising season one more project required a short stay in a shipyard; never pleasant and always expensive; best to get it out of the way. Our old Daf engine has been puffing out some rather filthy smoke for too long now so we decided to install a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce the harmful black smuts; hopefully this will benefit our lungs. The engine’s diesel injectors were changed too and now she runs much more smoothly. The job was completed in good time by Gent Port Services and we’d be happy to recommend them.
The new DPF filter in place
Setting off on our first week of spring cruising we headed for Deinze where we joined up with our Scandinavian friends Nils and Torild on their ship Passe Lagom. Torild’s daughter Susan was holidaying with them and we all cruised together into France via Menen, thence to Lille. The beautiful Lille moorings are well located off the main canal, close to a big park with the old citadelle and near to the attractions of this lovely city.
In Deinze with Passe Lagom
Place Charles de Gaulle in Lille
Susan, Torild and Nils in Lille
Leaving Lille we headed south via the Canal du Nord pausing at the home of our French friends Béatrice and Michel whom we first met four years ago. It was great to see them again and for them to meet Torild and Nils. Needing to press on, we parted the next day with some homemade foodie and drink gifts. What warmth and generosity!
Bois des Vaux, Canal du Nord
with Michel and Béatrice
We stopped at Longueil Annel, an old bargemens’ town where we were made very welcome; a local woman actually came out of her house to help with our ropes! Several locals dropped by to chat and ask about our ship and with warmer evenings we were now barbequeing and eating outside.
Longueil Annel
Vic sur Aisne is another favourite spot for a weekend although it was out of our way. However, it was well worth the detour and a safe place for Diana to stay while Chris went to London. This little village is near to a big Eurocamp holiday park and the food market is well attended. Lovely to reacquaint with this pretty place.
The River Oise
We then cruised to Compiègne, a fine city where we could spend several days relaxing. Having so far encountered few pleasure boaters we were happy to meet Lesley and Stuart on their beautiful new ship Calliope. They had recently crossed the channel from Portsmouth and are heading to the Canal du Midi – an intrepid first year! There being an excellent in chandlery in Compiègne, a bit of shopping was compulsory; big commercial barge stuff, a rare thing in France.
The new DPF filter in place
Setting off on our first week of spring cruising we headed for Deinze where we joined up with our Scandinavian friends Nils and Torild on their ship Passe Lagom. Torild’s daughter Susan was holidaying with them and we all cruised together into France via Menen, thence to Lille. The beautiful Lille moorings are well located off the main canal, close to a big park with the old citadelle and near to the attractions of this lovely city.
In Deinze with Passe Lagom
Place Charles de Gaulle in Lille
Susan, Torild and Nils in Lille
Leaving Lille we headed south via the Canal du Nord pausing at the home of our French friends Béatrice and Michel whom we first met four years ago. It was great to see them again and for them to meet Torild and Nils. Needing to press on, we parted the next day with some homemade foodie and drink gifts. What warmth and generosity!
Bois des Vaux, Canal du Nord
with Michel and Béatrice
We stopped at Longueil Annel, an old bargemens’ town where we were made very welcome; a local woman actually came out of her house to help with our ropes! Several locals dropped by to chat and ask about our ship and with warmer evenings we were now barbequeing and eating outside.
Longueil Annel
Vic sur Aisne is another favourite spot for a weekend although it was out of our way. However, it was well worth the detour and a safe place for Diana to stay while Chris went to London. This little village is near to a big Eurocamp holiday park and the food market is well attended. Lovely to reacquaint with this pretty place.
The River Oise
We then cruised to Compiègne, a fine city where we could spend several days relaxing. Having so far encountered few pleasure boaters we were happy to meet Lesley and Stuart on their beautiful new ship Calliope. They had recently crossed the channel from Portsmouth and are heading to the Canal du Midi – an intrepid first year! There being an excellent in chandlery in Compiègne, a bit of shopping was compulsory; big commercial barge stuff, a rare thing in France.