On the Canal du Nivernais

May 14 - On the Nivernais Canal PK 17.1 We got an early start from Decize, out through a flood gate onto la

Our infinity écluse - it looked like the marina water level
was the same as the river. Actually 2.5 meters difference

Loire river for a couple of kilometers. Before turning onto the Canal du Nivernais. Coming out of the first écluse we were brought to a quick halt. The weeds were so thick that we could only go about 2 Km/Hr. Then we’d back up to clear the weeds, take off at 6 Km/Hr and in a few minutes be back to 4. This went on for the first 3 écluse. Michael was ready to turn around if it didn’t clear up soon. By écluse 4 the weeds were no longer reaching the surface and seemed to be firmly attached the the floor of the canal. They were tall enough to rub on the bottom of our hull still making it impossible to go our regular cruising speed. When we reached our planned destination the quay was full. Went a couple of KM and found bollards to tie to in a nice shady area. Had time for a beer and a bit of reading till the rain began. By the time we had the Bimini down and were below, it was a total downpour - and the thunder we had been hearing in the distance was now quite close, complete with lightning. It was a great show from our cozy dry salon and nobody around for miles. 

Here we are - Goats on the left of us

Sheep on the right - stuck in the middle again

The Canal du Nivernais is known for the beautiful fields and forests
with very few towns to break up the beauty

Our moorage for the night and the thunder and lightning show
that was about to begin