We have been making good progress in a Southerly direction.
Guillotine gate on a Canal du Nord lock
The main Nave- Noyon Cathedral
The Canal du Nord went smoothly and we took the opportunity of visiting the town of Noyon. We had seen it several times, particularly the striking double towers of the Cathedral where Charlemagne was crowned King, but never visited. It was a very interesting town which experienced a difficult time in the wars, like many towns. The Cathedral was very old, with vestiges dating back almost 1,500 years. There was a stone listing every Bishop from 557AD until the present day, including five saints and one Pope. John Calvin was born in this town, his placed of birth now a museum.
Cathedral towers
Noyon town square and town hall
We also visited the barging museum at the town of Longeuil Annel which used to be a major barging town. The museum was very interesting with lots of historical film footage and photographs. Penny quizzed the custodian and discovered more information about the new Canal of the North, Europe. This will run from near Cambrai in the North to near Longeuil-Annel in the South and will more than double France's annual tonnage of water-carried freight. There will be far fewer locks and much greater dimensions allowed compared with the saturated Canal du Nord.
Sailing on the Seine- a risky sport!
Eye catching new Arts Centre- Isle Seguin on the Seine
We are now just South of Paris, on the River Seine, a few kilometres South of its junction with the River Marne. We are doing some reprovisioning here.
The trip through Paris itself was smooth. We always have some heightened anxiety as there is a lot of traffic- particularly the sightseeing Bateau Mouches and large transport barges. Unlike a couple of months ago (when the river was in flood), this time we had the current against us, though it is not very great. It was a good trip and being a Saturday there were large numbers of canoes, kayaks and rowing sculls as well as quite a few yachts. However, sailing on the Seine in Paris looks rather dangerous which is perhaps why participants were wearing crash helmets as well as life jackets.
A rare black swan (native of only Australia) on the OiseWhen we left Pontoise sur Oise on Thursday, a body had just been discovered at the lock and there were Sapeur-Pompiers (fire, rescue and first response) plus Police and Medico-Legal people there. The lock-keeper was very professional but did sound a little shaken. There was a lot of construction work at the lock and we thought that maybe a worker had died. However, it turned out to be a depressed man who apparently drowned himself. Very sad, particularly for those directly involved.
On a more positive note (with regard to falling in the water), when we were at Lille one day, three motorcycle policemen came racing down the tow path on the other side and came to the canal behind us and another boat. One of them jumped into the water. There was a man in the water and they rescued him. The Sapeur-Pompiers were also there to give medical attention and take him to hospital. The boat behind had thrown him a life-ring. So, all was well. However we did not find out how he fell or jumped in. Perhaps he was one of the hundreds of people we saw there who were besotted with Pokomon-Go which had just been released in France? Huge numbers of people were wandering around glued to mobile phones and not looking where they were going, totally immersed.
The only other incident to report is that of "The Battery".
One morning, the starter battery died. Not unexpected as it has lasted about nine years and had not been starting the engine quite as enthusiastically for a couple of weeks. Not a problem, we just flicked a switch to the main battery bank.
We ordered a new one from a place we have used before. Although there is no rush, we thought it would be simple to get a new one while we are moving along without too much else to do. These batteries are rather expensive but do last a long time. Anyway, things have not worked out and it has all been a big waste of time and potentially money. The battery is now seven days overdue:
Day 1. The courier company reported "could not deliver, please select a new address". So, we contacted the tourist office and they happily agreed to accept the battery.
Day 2. The courier ran out of time- too many parcels- and took it back to the depot.
Day 3. No delivery. No status on the web site. Then at 8pm..."Delivered".
Day 4. Battery NOT at tourist office? Where is it? It is at the original delivery address. Went there, sign on door: "Sorry, due to health we are closed down and not taking or sending parcels".
After some hours, found the owner. No parcel could have been delivered because the door had always been locked.
Day 5. Where is the parcel? The parcel has been delivered to the tourist office. But it is/was not there.
By the weekend, there were still no updates and nothing possible now until Monday.
This is very frustrating and the battery company (which has been good) will not do anything until the courier company comes up with another or more credible story.
Perhaps it has been stolen or mislaid?
Best Regards,
Dave and Penny
We visited the 19th annual Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition at Andresy
Noyon Library and Bookstore- 1506
Odd liveaboard boat on the Seine
Noyon Cathedral