Life on The Waterways of Europe..

2022,--May & June

SOUTH OF FRANCE.

SO I am not going to be able to swing from the ropes and jump ship for a good few weeks yet--

During April and May I had a very good carer who took me off to the pub occassionally, and friends who lent us the wheelchair, crutches, and best of all --the shower chair.. (we did decline the wheeled zimmer frame 😂)
👱
So moving on to the boat and how that was all going to work----Luckily we have helpful friends --Max set off and drove to Beziers with his mate Bill Jennings for a week to help take down the winter tent and get KIWI ROSE a bit readied for me.

In the midst of this my brother Bill and Pippa (picures on last blog) got married so Bill J. and Max had to drive up to Lyon, where they both flew home,-- Max in time for the wedding.

3RD June.👍👍 Now my chance at last to get to the boat- although still on two crutches (Only 6 weeks post #).

We both flew back into Lyon where Max had left the car and we spent a very enjoyable weekend in St Jean de Losne.

As covid lockdown had prevented many of our Australian, Kiwi and other boating friends from being here for 2 years, it was a time for some serious catch-ups.

Old friends. Glen and Trish, and Bob, Liz and Einstein.

WE had a lovely evening with John & Michelle, and Peter & Jayne. Both Bob and liz and fellow Kiwi, Don.

This wonderful evening did start outreally well, under the sun shade up on deck,,---= but then a real sudden change in the weather , from us hiding from the sun to rushing out of the howling wind & hail--

made for a very wet evening all around.

As you can see, Don is holding onto his glass and wine bottle for dear life!!!!

We were lucky that night , but other people nearby we know (I have pinched their photos--sorry) had worse hail than us..

Had a good 6hr drive down to Beziers from St Jean Losne-- but again the totally sudden hail literally stopped us on the motorway-- From the noise we could have sworn the roof of the car would be covered in dents!!! You can see the hail stones on windscreen!!!!

💪💪

So we arrived in Bezier all safe and Kiwi Rose looked lovely.

Next hiccup is that we knew that I wouldn't be able to manage the ropes etc in the 5 locks to Agde, and the lowering of all the canvas and glass to get under said bridges in my weakened state.

Luckily Alan and Shelia who live near Beziers( old boaters) helped us out to take the boat through the locks over 2 days to Agde, where, KIWI ROSE was due to come out onto the hard.

Kiwi Rose was going to be re-anti-fouled, and have some more flexiteek put on the gunnles and the swim platform.

As due to A), inconveirnence and B), A decent shower and air-con, and C)Lucy being on two crutches\( mostly) we opted to stay in an appt for the first week.

The plan had been to go on a cycling trip during that time but NO sitting in bike seat for me😢😢!!!! 😢😢

So I just lazed around - maybe used the sewing machine a bit while max did all the hard work, sanding and prepping his lovely ladies bottom.

I think I must of married a smurf!!

After a hard days work on the boat, we would come home shower and eat, then go down to the river/sea, The Herault and have a bottle of wine while the sun set.

14th June ,, so to give Max a break we had a few days away in Moissac, a lovely little village on the River Tarn //Garonne for more catch ups with old and news friends.

Special friend Janine Banbury, old friends Tex & Anthea Jones, and new friends Lindsey & Vicki. What started as a simple drinks ended up late as it often does, with lots of drink and laughter. (all kiwis again)... well-- except The Jones who are a mixed bag!!

Lovely second night with Janine Banbury. That salad was for sharing !! Huge 🤯

The thing about good times is they come to an end so it was back to the boat for the actual antifoul painting and then back in the water.

I was obviously NOT going to get out of work so easily now!!!😃😃😃😓😓

But she looks so beautiful- polished and painted. While this job took 3 days of sweaty work, in the evenings we would take a picnic down to the sea at Agde and relax. OR the odd beer.