I have just spent some time making contact with Briare, a small town in France on the River Loire. The Canal de Briare crosses the River Loire on a magnificent aqueduct. Close to this aqueduct, a branch of the canal descends a series of locks to an extensive port that, nowadays, is dedicated to us boaters. I think it is still possible to lock down onto the River Loire itself, though I don't recall seeing the lock in use. During my previous voyages in EuroLand I spent some 18 months there - it is the sort of place that is difficult to leave. One of the highlights of my stay was that one of the other moorers went away on holiday to his ancestral home in Scotland. I looked after his woof when he was away, and he returned bringing a puppy (a younger sister of his dog) with him for me. Hence I met Fanny-the-Woof. I was pleased to learn that Briare is still as friendly as it used to be. So, if I get over to Euroland in March/April next year (as planned) I can see me over-wintering next year in Briare.
One of the reasons for its friendliness is Christophe, the haven meister, who organised regular BBQs and other community functions. Oooh!! I can't wait to get there!!! One chap arrived there by boat, but has now transferred to a house there. (He was a serviceman, stationed in England, when the drink/driving laws were introduced. His response, at lunch time, was to drive his sports car in through the Mess front door, a right and left turn into the bar, and then the appropriate cry of 'Doubles all round on me, bar man!' He became a civilian again shortly afterwards).
The canal predated the aqueduct, and it is still possible see where the original canal crossed the River Loire on the level. On either side of the river there were extensive lay-bys for barges to moor in whilst waiting for a flooded Loire to subside.
I had a lovely day out with a group who were pushing to have bits of the Brittany canal system restored. Interestingly, all their efforts were all to do with publicity and political pressure. They certainly were not going to get their hands dirty dirty!
On one of my Fanny walks along the river I found an extensive beach with some very fine sand on it. I collected some, washed it (to remove not-sand rubbish) and dried it, with an expectation of using it on Rosy's roof during a re-paint - but I keep forgetting it!
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