French Canals 2009 – Update 29 May 2009
I am pleased to report (at last) that there is now a good possibility that Kea Two will be ready to cross the channel on 22nd June. There have been some problems that developed into a drama because the boat is now 30 years old and spare parts are a problem. The two shower controls delivering the water to both showers decided to crack, we think because of extreme cold in the winter – and age of course! Bizarre that they were both leaking, one much worse than the other, but the problem turned into a drama when we could not find the spare parts to mend them. Nor were complete replacements a particularly good option because of accessibility and cost. I have just heard that Colin, the guardian of all things on Kea Two, has made up new parts, so hopefully the drama is nearly over. My fear is that the customary ‘shake down’ will actually be the cross channel bit to Le Havre, but at least we will be able to wash and drink tea and coffee. I am sure that my able crew, now slightly altered to Tony, Miles, me and possibly Paul if he can drag himself away from the house building, will be grateful for that.
Going up the river is to Paris could be a challenge as Miles will be departing the boat in Le Havre, leaving just the three of us to manage the commercial locks. I have read lots of books and articles about how two people can manage, so I will keep my fingers crossed. Trouble is that the front end of Kea does have a mind of her own in locks, as the last 20 years have taught me! I am sure we will be fine.
Apart from a couple of adjustments to timescales everyone seems to be very happy with the dates showing on the spreadsheet. If that is not the case please let me know. I will be trying very hard to drop people off and pick people up at sensible locations in terms of trains, planes etc. In theory I have plenty of time, so a couple of days here and there should be perfectly OK. I will also have domestic chores to do and will need to find a washing machine every now and then.
Hopefully joining the boat will be fairly straightforward for everybody. Just ring my mobile to find out where we are – with any luck someone on board will know……
I have done my best to ensure that everyone is as comfortable as possible. There are mosquito nets for the hatches, liners for the sleeping bags, duvets in case it gets cold, foul weather gear if needed, bicycles (2) for exercise and rushing ahead to open manual locks and general scouting for bars, bistros etc.
We have a brand swanky new bimini being fitted tomorrow, so we will find out how all that works going up to Paris. If the long range weather forecast is accurate, we should be very warm and suntanned in a very short space of time. This in turn will bring its own problems, ie mosquitos, so bring some protection with you. I will have some on board, but you need to bring extra with you. Lots of light weight clothing I think.
The last few weeks have been particularly stressful, the boat causing most of the problems. Work continues to cause me some concerns, but just when I get really panicked about seeing nothing in my diary, something turns up. It is very unstable at the moment and I am convinced that I am doing the right thing just taking off. I think everyone in the same business thinks that it will all come back in the Autumn. Net result is that I have accepted work right up to the Friday before we leave on the Monday. I had counted on having the week before we left clear to load the boat, but alas that is not true – I am now working. It was just too much money to turn down – buy the extra case of wine or two!!! I am in Leeds at the moment, home on Wednesday and up to London on Friday. Then London for two weeks after that. It’s all go, but ultimately very good news.
Think I might be wittering on a bit so I will sign off for the moment. So much on my mind I am sure I have forgotten something important. If anybody has any questions please get in touch.
David Nutton continues to be an enormous help and is here in the UK for the moment. I will try to meet up with him over the next couple of weeks to ask about a few outstanding things.
Home number is 02380 840465 and mobile 07769 700935. Email works better though.
Lots of love and lots of grateful thanks for you continued commitment to the project.
Val xx