Day 48: 30/07/17 Epernay to Chalons en Champagne

We were hoping to get a little further today, in an effort to be able to meet up with Russ and Tracie. However fate had other plans as we arrived at the Chalons lock to be told that one of the locks about 2 days away on our route south was closed until 5th August. As Chalons en Champagne looked like an interesting place we decided to stop here and wait rather than wait at a halt where there may be no facilities at all.

We also experienced a new kind of lock operation where a rubber pole dangles down from a structure overhanging the canal and you have to grab and twist it to operate the lock. Seems more reliable than the remote control. Also today the levers in the locks were on random sides so we often had to get off the boat, climb a ladder and walk round the other side of the lock to operate it. After one go at this and rushing to get back to manage the lines on the boat, Patrick announced that this could be AJ's job.

One lock didn't even have a ladder so Patrick had to give him a lift up. Not sure what boats do without an AJ!

Chalons looks like a hit for the kids, with more free activities including climbing, ping pong, mini golf and today there was also some live music with reasonably priced refreshments. We enjoyed a pleasant hour chilling out, kids having found locals to play with, and managed to by 2 beers, 2 ice creams and a small portion of chips for 10 Euros.

Back to the boat for dinner and a somewhat late night.

Day 46 & 47: 28 & 29th July 2017 Champagne in Epernay

We I was really looking forward to Epernay, Champagne Capital. The tennis and rowing club where we planned to stop had good reviews and we thought it worthwhile doing a 2 night stop here despite the 20 Euro price tag. The plan was to moor alongside Carrfour on the way to pick up shopping for the next leg of the trip but unfortunately after a lovely motor past images of old fashioned champagne production, we didn't feel comfortable with the quay side near to the Carrfour. Each time we went in to have a look we saw some debris in the water that could damage Laurin so in the end we decided to push on to the tennis club.

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 On arriving at the tennis club around lunchtime we had a lovely welcome from the caretaker and were shown around as well as given a map with recommendations of where to eat (although eating out is a luxury we can't afford at the moment after the expense of Paris and Disney!). In the afternoon I went ahead to the Carrfour which was only 15 minutes walk away and called Patrick and the kids to join me when I had done the bulk of the shop; mainly dry stores and I would do the rest the next day. We were hopeful that there  might be some life at the club and an opportunity for the kids to find some playmates but unfortunately this wasn't  the case. In fact the boat next to as had a girl on board but she was with grandparents and they didn't seem keen to let her play which was a great disappointment to our kids who are desperate for playmates. We got the lego out on the quay side to try and tempt her over but no joy. Patrick did a second walk to Carrfour to get camping gaz and another 10litres of diesel. We all got a bit tetchy as this was really not what we were hoping for and it really wasn't a very pleasant evening although the kids loved having all the lego out.

This morning we had a little lie in then discussed the plan for the day. Patrick wanted to go into town as we need some silicone grease (we managed to scrounge a little from another boat yesterday but we still need some in the boat's stores). I wanted to visit a champagne house and needed to do round two of the shopping, and the kids wanted to play lego on the quay again and have a scooter ride.

We decided to walk into town first, heading straight for the Office de tourisme. They confirmed what I thought that Mercier was the best champagne house visit for kids, and then offered us some free champagne as they had some of the smaller houses in visiting and offering tastings... don't mind if we do! I never really tasted the difference between different champagnes before but the ones at the information office were clearly distinctive and much to Esme's delight these small, family run businesses were happy to offer the kids a small taste.

After a long search round town for some picnic supplies we had our lunch in the town hall gardens which were both stunning and beautifully shaded.

We then set off for the walk up the Avenue de Champagne. I tried to sell it to the kids as a champagne treasure hunt as it was a bit of a walk to the Mercier House which was the last one in the row. So much champagne, so little money at the moment, and very tricky with kids in tow.

We eventually arrived at Mercier and the kids suddenly perked up. We chose the cheapest option at 16 Euros per adult but the kids went free and were given audio guides which the kids loved. There were various stations around the entrance hall where you could press the corresponding button on the guide and hear a commentary. Most of this was about a 200,000 litre barrel that Mercier made in the 1800 for the same Paris exhibition as the Eiffel Tower.

After a while we were called in to our tour which started with a video. After this we were taken into a lift which took us 30m underground. The back of the lift was glass and as we descended there was a lifelike miniature model of the Mercier house.

We then embarked on a little train where again the audio guide told us of the 18km of underground tunnels in which there were amazing carvings. The kids really enjoyed the whole experience, and us adults got to try more champagne.

On exiting the tour we managed to see some vines up close .

On returning Patrick went off to try unsuccessfully to get grease while I got the lego out for the kids. Then we swapped and I went to get the remaining shopping. We bribed the kids into helping with clearing up after dinner by promising them we would go up to the club after. The kids had found some French kids to play with earlier in the day so we were hopeful for a pleasant evening but the adults didn't seem so welcoming so we went for a scooter ride instead, passing a party boat full of jolly French guys singing along to some performer. On our return we sat on deck, discussing the next few days plans when the party boat returned and the kids had great fun flashing solar lights at it and getting a hoot and several waves and shouts in return!

Day 45: 27/07/17 Chateau Thierry to Reuil

Today we had a bit of a lie in, then pulled out the fuel can to walk down the road for a diesel top up. There aren't many fuel pontoons on this stretch of the journey so we thought we'd do one 10 litre run while there was a roadside fuel station nearby. It was just over the road from the playground so the kids enjoyed a morning play.

Next job was to fill up with water. I had to pay at the machine and select which tap I wanted to turn on for our 2 hour slot. AJ helped with the hose as it really is a 2 person job with the new fold flat hoses we have for this journey to save space so we pay the kids pocket money to help. We then told Kotare which tap we had paid for so that they could top up their tanks if they wanted to.

Meanwhile Esmé had got a pencil, paper and clipboard and gone to draw the swans.

AJ's struggling with school still. I've spent a lot of time today googling de-schooling and unschooling. I think I need a different approach with him so will ease off for a few days while I figure out a plan. Luckily Esmé was still enthusiastic and did some great work.

Unfortunately the first place we had in mind for tonight was full, however we have ended up in Reuil which is quite pleasant if a little quiet, with a small playground next to the pontoon. The kids have spent a lot of time playing up there while Patrick and I chill out on the boat, either playing on the swings, scooting around, or watching the French play petanque. AJ really wants a go so we'll keep a look out for some boules.

Epernay tomorrow via the big Carrfour where we get to use our mooring stakes for the first time. Looking forward to champagne!

Day 44: 26/07/17 Where-ever it was to Chateau Thierry

A tough day with respect to boatschool. BOTH kids rebelled and our 2 hours work took nearer 5 hours, although it would probably have taken longer if we had not moored alongside another kid boat in Chateau Thierry, and threatened no playing at the park until it was done!

Esmé did enjoy doing some maths in the cockpit though!

Our first challenge was the automated lock, we motored up to it, expecting the lock gates to open but nothing happened. I had to call the emergency number, and the guy said he would come. Luckily he brought what looked like his apprentice with him who could speak some English; he told us that we had to press the remote control before our arrival, and that instead of using the remote to operate the lock once inside, we pulled the blue lever up! The French guy still didn't realise that the stupid English had not even tried to use the remote and insisted on taking it off us and checking its functionality!



We are now very definitely getting into wine country with vineyards on the hillsides along the waterway. We also passed a rather pretty building for some reason called The Devil House.

The next few locks went ok, but with only the final lock to go we came a cropper again. Patrick pointed the remote and hit the button, the yellow light flashed as it was supposed to, and then it stopped and went back to red. No amount of trying again would get it to work and by now another large charter boat had arrived. Luckily he spoke better French and called the magic number which resulted in another visit from the little man and our eventual passage through the lock.

Chateau Thierry looked a little busy, with the pontoon full of large barges, but there was a space on the quay. I gently nosed us into another small space only to feel the keel hit the bottom, or the side, or something. The barge behind us hadn't managed to get all the way alongside either but I wasn't comfortable with staying as the keel kept bumping so we came out again and asked to go alongside Kotare, a boat we had seen previously at Meaux with kids on board. They very kindly allowed us to raft on them so thankfully we didn't have to go further.

We had to pay 5 Euros to stay via a ticket machine rather like being in a car park. Electricity and water was extra so we decided against the electricity, and to fill up with water in the morning as it was 6 Euros for 2 hours so we want to make the most of it. I went shopping for food for the next day or so while Patrick took the kids to the park. I owed the kids ice cream for good school work yesterday so I brought a pack of 6 Pistachio and Chocolate cornets back much to AJ's disgust. He kind of just ate the Chocolate part while I gave the spares to Kortare. Luckily for us Kortare had an electrics problem so couldn't use the shore power they had paid for so donated it to us. Showers all round using the electric to heat the water, emptying the tanks before we fill up tomorrow.

We all needed a break so the kids are sat watching a film while I had a lovely chat with my lovely friend Tracie on the phone, and then update the blog. Now for some planning to try to get us in a position to meet up with Tracie and Russ on their way back to the UK from the South of France.

Day 43: 25/07/2017 Meaux to..... somewhere on the Marne!

We were supposed to go to La Ferté sous Jarre to another free "Halte Nautique", just before this there was also a Halte at a campsite which charged about 12 Euros but we prefer free unless we need water, fuel, or there is something particular we want to see. We generate enough electricity motoring along for this not to be a concern for an overnight stay, and much longer if the sun is shining so that our solar panels perform. We can carry enough water for 4-5 days and still have occasional showers, and motor for 80 to 100 hours without filling up with diesel. Some people are more self sufficient for us but we felt that we usually want civilisation after about 4 to 5 days anyway so fitting more solar didn't seem necessary.

Anyway, on passing the campsite we had a look, there was plenty of space but no cleats on the pontoons, in fact we saw one crew trying to pass a line all the way under and round the pontoon to tie up their boat. No way were we going to pay for the privilege of that palaver.  On to the free halt which was ram packed with several very large barges, which left us motoring on to the next lock hoping for a free waiting pontoon which we found. No facilities here but that's not a problem for us tonight, and a lovely peaceful halt where the kids could go and explore the riverbank (2-way radio in hand) whilst Patrick and I planned our next few stops.

School this morning went well with both kids chomping through their English and Maths. I added some iPad apps in to the mix today so that I could concentrate on one child while the other consolidated learning on the iPad. Esmé has trouble forming some of her letters so she is using a cursive writing app, and AJ is using school maths 7-11 to practice arithmetic. In addition both kids are using Dragonbox Big Numbers to practice column addition and subtraction. I love all the Dragonbox apps as they make learning maths so much fun. There are so many computer based learning programmes for Maths in particular, however I like to stick to ones that do not need an internet connection if possible as our internet access is limited on the boat.

During our break halfway through school Esmé asked for Mummy's sweet shop. Kids have to earn pocket money by helping out round the boat (not particularly successful at the moment) and then can spend on what they want including Mummy's sweet shop which sells bulk bought treats at reasonable prices. Guess it's all part of learning maths!

We decided to stop for lunch today just before a lock. It was quite nice to all be able to sit down to lunch together rather than taking it in turns to helm, though perhaps we might have got a spot at the free halt if we'd travelled a bit quicker without the stop. At the lock immediately after this the lady lock keeper came to chat and give us the remote control we need for the next few locks. I THINK I understand what we have to do but handily she also gave us a phone number to call if we get stuck!

Trying to speak French remains a fun challenge, for the first time ever I am enjoying and starting to feel slightly more confident speaking a foreign language, however it can all come to a halt occasionally, like today when I tried to call the place we want to stay in Epernay. Despite mine and the French guy's best efforts I still have no idea if the water is deep enough for us there but I appear to have booked us in for Friday! Anyway, an early night tonight I hope before braving our first automatic lock sometime after it opens at 8am tomorrow.

Day 42: 24/07/17 Another day in Meaux

Having done a little planning for the next few days we realised that our plan to stay a few days in Epernay could be adjusted to save money. We only really need to be there for a night or 2 at the most (to visit the champagne cellars) but were planning on staying longer to get shopping and washing done. In Inland Waterways terms Epernay is expensive at 20 Euro's a night, where-as Meaux is free and has a laundrette a short walk away as well as free entertainment for the kids.

So decision made, the kids and I got on with school this morning while Patrick went on a fruitless search for camping gaz. Once lunch was over and our daily reading of "Grammarland" the kids had their daily electronics fix. It was a drizzly day but there seemed to be a weather window for a couple of hours so we donned raincoats and headed to the activity area. Half way there the heavens opened so we paused a while under a tree before deciding to carry on regardless as the rain eased but didn't stop. By the time we got to the activities there was not much open but over the next half hour it sprang to life again and we did golf, table tennis, diablo, and then the kids asked to go on the very wet bouncy castle. We agreed and they had a whale of a time. As they were so wet I asked AJ if he wanted to go on the giant slide which had water sprinklers on and this time he said yes. Esmé who was not really tall enough managed to squeeze on too.

The kids enjoyed slide after slide before being asked to leave so others could try, bounced on the castle again and then came back to the slide until eventually we had to take them back to the boat for an early tea so I could go to the laundrette. 11 Euro's and 2 hours later we have a shopping trolley full of clean clothes!

Ready to move eastwards tomorrow but unfortunately too late to meet our good friends Russ and Tracie who we had hoped to catch up with on their way to the South of France. Really hope we can meet on their way back.

Day 40 & 41: 22nd & 23rd July 2017 Disneyland and Recovery

We went to Disneyland Paris last year. We went for 5 days/4 nights. We had a great time with extended family and it was supposed to be a once in a lifetime event for the kids. Then we realised we'd be passing only a few kilometres away on our trip! The kids really wanted to go again so we used it as a bribe. We needed to get rid of some of their toys so we said we'd use the proceeds to pay for Disney, not knowing exactly how we would get there and back from the river. I was also concerned that it might be a bit of a damp squid... how could one day (without extra magic hours) possibly compare or compete with our amazing 5 day stay?

In the end it wasn't too bad. The town of Langy has a lovely free pontoon which you can stay on for 48 hours and a regular bus service to Disneyland (2 euro's each way per person). Unfortunately though the bus times tied in with train times not Disney closing times! Disney closes at 11pm and then there are the illuminations which I think are amazing and didn't want to miss. The last 2 buses were 11pm and 12:40am, so we were left with a choice of missing the illuminations, waiting an hour for a bus with 2 very tired kids, or paying goodness knows how much for a taxi.

We packed lots of snacks and headed to the bus stop for 9:30 and were at Disneyland for when it opened at 10am. We had a plan. The kids knew that space mountain had been rebranded as Hyperspace mountain and given a star wars theme. Despite neither of them liking rollercoasters both wanted to go on it so we got a fast pass straight away and then went to Autopia where they can drive cars round a track. There is no fast pass for this ride and the queue's can be really long so we wanted to do this first. Lovely ride then back to Space Mountain. Both kids bottled it at the final stage so Patrick and I took turns to go on individually.

Many rides later and we decided it was time for a late lunch, so out we went to Planet Hollywood as we thought it might be better value than inside the park. It was, marginally but still not a "nice" meal which kind of stung as it was our first meal out of the trip and certainly ate into our food budget for this month. Over lunch Esmé told me she really did want to go on Space Mountain!

Back into the park and Esmé had chance to catch up with Donald before we found our places for the parade. Completely by luck we had an amazing spot and seeing some fellow Brits behind us with kids on shoulders we invited their kids to the front with ours. Despite AJ not really being that enthusiastic about the parade both kids really enjoyed it.

On to Peter Pan, a ride which wasn't open when we were there last year..... great ride flying through Neverland! Then plenty more rides before we returned to Discoveryland for Esmé to have another try at Space Mountain.  A lovely lady who was still there from the morning remembered her and was saying how brave she was and that it was ok to scream! She walked straight on and loved it. After this we stopped for some snacks and to hide from the rain. By this time it was 8:50pm so we decided (me very reluctantly) on one more ride before heading for the 10pm bus. After going on Star Tours again AJ announced he would also like to go on Space Mountain so we all went on together. Can't believe my nervous, anxious boy went on an upside down rollercoaster!

We were now looking at the 11pm bus when the kids saw Utopia open again. Pleading eyes saw Patrick reluctantly agree as the rain had now stopped. Straight from Autopia to the illuminations which were beautiful.

Both kids were really great and even better when we refused the taxi as it was going to cost 40 Euros. I gave my coat to the kids to put over their legs, got ipods out, and fed them sweets to make the hour wait for the number 23 bus a little less painful.

Finally arrived back at the boat at 1:15am.






Sunday!

We finally all woke at about 10am and I cooked us a big breakfast.

I took the kids back to the park while Patrick tidied up and then we were on our way to Meaux, a short distance away but looked like it might have a crane to lift us out.

Through a couple of quite turbulent locks with a tunnel between them, and lots of peaceful riverbanks.

We finally arrived at Meaux and chose the free halt a little way away from the boatyard. As we passed the boatyard we thought we could see a swimming area cordoned off so once alongside we grabbed the kids swim stuff and off we went.

As we walked past the boatyard the crane looked far too small for us so I guess we'll be lifting out at H2O boatyard further on.

We walked past the boatyard towards the swimming to find a whole area of free activities for kids. First they had  a swim then they tried the other activities. AJ had a go on a surf simulator while Esmé went on a bouncy castle. Both had a go on the climbing wall and then Esmé and Patrick played golf while AJ played football, eventually joined by Esmé.

All in all quite a fun filled 2 days for the kids. Guess they're going to object to school tomorrow!