The snake route to Châtillon-en-Bazois

Juniper and Michael in écluse Châtillon with
le château de Châtillon-en-Bazoisin the background

 May 16 - Châtillon-en-Bazois. An amazing canal route as the canal snaked back and forth with an écluse every couple of kilometers as we got set for the final push to the summit of the Canal du Nivernais. The physical town was nothing special except having a château looking right over the marina (they did have a boulangerie, so we had croissants with breakfast). The exceptional part was being the only transient boat on the quay and the support and help that was offered by all the liveaboards.

The boat that was tied up in front of us had a local French couple living aboard, while they refurbished their farmhouse. We met them when they returned to their boat after a long day of work. Right after the bonjour it was do you need to take on water, we have a hose you can use. In the morning as we were finishing our coffee and croissants there was a knock on our boat - Do you need anything at the store? They were driving and took Joan along to replenish staples that we were running low on. What a great community they have on their quay.

From our chartbook - Most of today's route. The little Vs are écluses.
The twists and turns are to follow the contours of the valley we are ascending.