Author Archives: Ed Mortimer

Well, the descent from Montceau les Mines to Digoin was easy, and really nice: followed by major disappointment at Digoin. The depth was very low (so I was dragging), the moorings even more shallow. The good ones were plugged with … Continue reading →

I have made the significant trek to the summit of this canal: 35 locks upwards (always especially challenging when single-handing) and several of the locks are more than 5m high! Still, I made it, and am now on the much … Continue reading →

Well, how things can change. I left Lyon, and planned a 4 day journey to St. Jean de Losne, which is the unofficial hub of the inland waterways of France. Restocking, getting a few essentials and especially fuel, in preparation … Continue reading →

Lyon, which is France’s second largest city, is really a very pleasant place to visit. I stopped here on the way southbound last August, but didn’t post things, so you get some of that visit now. An old city, not … Continue reading →

After battling the wind for the last week, finally a reprise. Not a true Mistral, but a ‘baby mistral’. A week of strong northerly winds (40-75 km/h including gusts). The skies are clear (mostly, especially in the afternoons) the temperature … Continue reading →

I left Avignon, though I really wanted to stay here and explore further, because the major weather phenomenon in the Rhone valley is called the Mistral. These strong (sometimes VERY strong) winds funnel down the valley from the north, and … Continue reading →

I left Arles, and moved onto the ‘big river’, the Rhone. This is going to be somewhat challenging, as the current runs against the direction I have to go, and is from 2-5 km/h. This makes for slow travel at … Continue reading →

So, finished the coastal trek across the Camargue, stopping  at Aigues Mortes. Gorgeous city, reminiscent of the middle ages, Arabian Nights, and all. This walled city is on the absolutely flat land of the Camargue, which is mostly marshes, salty … Continue reading →

I finished the Canal du Midi, and set off across the Etang de Thau, a brackish lake which is a source of over 20,000 tonnes of farmed shellfish per year. The trip across the lake reminded me of the best … Continue reading →