15th September – Hull to Whalley

And so back home to Whalley and the conclusion of my travel diary for 2018.

Since May we have travelled about 2500 kilometres through 4 countries over approximately 16 weeks.   I am now fluent in doggie French, German, Dutch and Luxembourgish – which is much more than I can say for my owners. I have become an expert, if slightly manic, swimmer, which has obviously helped me muscle up a bit as I have almost outgrown my life jacket. It has to be muscle, as I certainly can’t be getting fat on the measly portions of food I get.

I like this boating  lark most of the time although I have missed being able to race round in my garden.  I might complain about the algae but I did get to swim quite a lot, which was just as well when the temperatures were in the mid 30’s.  I was very glad I had a tent under the table to shelter in.

I am hoping my cage is now a thing of the past as I have been left to roam free several times now without mishap.  The jury might still be out though as I have chewed up two cushions recently – although this is always in the early morning when I wake up and get bored.

Next year I have to learn how to get down the steps into the saloon as they say I will be too heavy to carry.  Once I have cracked those steps than the ones down to their cabin will be easy – and I do like the idea of having a sleep on their bed.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my adventures, which were as much about growing up as they were about travel.  I hope you have enjoyed them. If so, tune back in 2019 to see where I’m off to then. Au revoir and Bon Nuit.

14th September – Maasbracht to Rotterdam

Last day of the trip so it was wash up, brush up and pack up day.  All very boring for me so I kept jumping off the boat to go for a wander.  First time it was to greet Sheila as she had come especially to see me. I really like Sheila and I needed to give her a kiss.  After that it was to check on what was going on.  They were packing up the car and I had to make sure they weren’t going to leave without me.

Eventually all that packing and cleaning was done and the car even more stuffed to the rafters than it was when we left home. We have Maggie with us though and she has the biggest suitcase I have ever seen!  It doesn’t bother me as long as nothing invades my space in the back.

Lots of goodbyes, a couple of hours drive to Rotterdam, a play on the beach and then onto the ferry.  I know what to expect now and wasn’t bothered about my kennel. In fact I quite liked it as it was bigger than last time. My neighbour was a great big bulldog and he wasn’t very friendly so I wasn’t sorry to be behind bars!

12th & 13th  September –  Maasbracht

Maggie and Alison went to collect the car in Germany whilst Brian and I had a lie in, then a walk in the rain. They kept in contact though, if only to tell us how hot and sunny it was in Schweich whilst we shivered in the rain in Maasbracht.   They eventually made it back, but only just in time to get changed and then go straight out for dinner. Not very sociable!

Next day was job day and as we had the car I could go with them.  I even went out for lunch, but as I was badly behaved I was put back in the car before the food came.  Big mistake, I really missed out there.

On the plus side though I had a lovely surprise when I went for my evening walk with Brian. I was ambling back to the boat in the dark and who should we bump into but Edward and Teddy. I didn’t even know Teddy had arrived.  I must go visiting tomorrow.

11th September – Neer to Maasbracht

The last day of our journey today as we travelled back to Maasbracht in the Netherlands and Annapanna’s winter home.  They left here in May 2017, 5 months before I was even born, so for me this is a first visit. We do have a few days here as tomorrow Maggie and Alison return to Schweich to pick up the car, then I will have a rest whilst they do all that cleaning and packing that seems so essential at the beginning and end of any trips.

10th September – ‘T Leuken to Neer

After two boring walks in two different boring dog walking areas we left Leukermeer to head further south on the Maas.  Leukermeer is very pretty and I’m told the mooring is good, but it is not very dog friendly. Give me Cuijk any day.

On the way to our destination we stopped at Kessel so they could look round a castle that has been restored recently, many years after it was blown up by the Germans.  Of course I wasn’t allowed in, so I had to stay outside with Maggie whilst they did their tourist bit.  It wasn’t too bad though and we went for ice cream afterwards which is always a good thing.

Tonight our mooring is in a little private harbour just north of Roermond along with our neighbours from ‘T Leuken. I’m told they know this part of the Netherlands well so decided to stop somewhere different.  No swimming here again as the dreaded algae is everywhere on the Maas. I hope all this sorts itself out by next year as I am missing serious swimming time.  I did go for a good walk though to see an old mill just outside the town. I was also half promised a ride on a ferry but it didn’t quite happen. Shame as there looked to be lots of grass on the other side.

A funny thing happened whilst we were on our walk. Alison got a call from Maggie asking if I was with her. She said you won’t believe this but a dog looking just like me had walked past.  Really, just like me.  Brian took a picture to prove it. I think the owner thought they were a bit strange!  I can’t believe I didn’t meet her. I wonder if one of my siblings moved to the Netherlands?

9th September – Cuijk to ‘T Leuken

After a nice long walk and swim we set off for ‘T Leuken, a place I am told they know well.  It is another mooring on a lake but this time there is a beach right at the end of the jetty.  I am desperate to go on that beach but as with Cuijk, I’m not allowed.  I can’t understand why when there are lots of dirty geese around making more mess than I ever would and not a single human around.  I did get a swim though even though Brian was told there was nowhere for dogs to swim anywhere in the lake. Are you kidding me!!  We just walked round a corner and there was a perfect place.

8th September – Wesel to Cuijk

After another walk and play in the woods (although sadly no swimming) we started to plan the destination for the night. We were all due to go to the town harbour in Nijmegen, but during a conversation with a Dutch man on another boat we discovered it was too shallow.  All plans changed over the course of a few minutes and suddenly we were saying goodbye to Teddy, Sheila and Edward.  I had jumped off the boat a few minutes before and when it was time to go I didn’t want to leave.  I just stood by Teddy’s boat – I hadn’t said goodbye to him! Eventually they bribed me with a biscuit and I’m afraid the thought of food always wins. Sorry Teddy, but I know you’ll understand.

We crossed the border into the Netherlands at Nijmegen, then through a lock and into another world.  After weeks of low water levels (other than on the Mosel) suddenly we were on the Maas-Vaalkanaal  and it was the land of plenty.  We did ring the harbour in Cuijk just to check, but when we asked if they had plenty of water they seemed surprised.  The harbour mistress had obviously not been to Dusseldorf or Nijmegen.

I liked Cuijk.  The harbour was on a lake and even though I wasn’t allowed to swim from the beach, when we went for a walk round the lake there were plenty of other places.  I even had a field to chase my ball in.  I think we might come back here next year.

7th September –  Duisburg to Wesel

In contrast to Duisburg, Wesel was a mooring especially for us, Teddy and me.  After four nights in cities (and a town) we needed somewhere to run, play and hopefully swim and in Wesel we got all three.  Sheila and Edward knew about this Yachthafen and the lovely wooded walks where dogs were allowed off the lead. I’m told this is unusual in Germany, so I’m very glad we don’t live here permanently.

Teddy and I had a wonderful time playing in the woods and swimming off the beaches. Teddy seems to have lost interest in my ball now and was just happy playing in the water. Not for me though, even without competition, a ball is for chasing and the faster I can get to it the better.

Then in the evening another first.  I was left home alone without being locked in my cage.  I think they thought that I would be too tired from all my running and swimming to cause any trouble and they were right,  I just curled up and went to sleep.

I have talked so much about Teddy but until now I haven’t had any pictures of him, so whilst we were playing in the water I put that right.  The picture above is of the two of us, but the one below is him alone. He might be 12, but he still likes to play and he was very good at putting up with me.

6th September – Dusseldorf to Duisburg

Cologne and Dusseldorf are two of the big cities of Germany but today we headed for a smaller town, Duisburg, further down the Rhine.  The harbour master was very nice and the harbour deep enough to moor up separately, but I don’t think it had much else going for it.  We all went for a walk to “do” the sightseeing but I don’t think they were very impressed. It wasn’t a very nice day so maybe we are being a bit unfair, but the conclusion is, we won’t be rushing back!

In the evening we had a dinner party.  Shelia and Edward (sadly without Teddy) came for dinner and I believe the food was delicious.  “Believe” is the important word here as however hard I stared or tried to jump up I didn’t get any. In fact, in the end they locked me downstairs. Very unfair.  I don’t think I like dinner parties.

5th September – Dusseldorf

Another day in Dusseldorf as today was M day, the day my friend Maggie arrived.  I like Maggie as she understands how hungry I am and keeps telling them they are starving me. Sadly, they don’t take any notice.  Before she arrived though they had to shop again, but this time I was left with Teddy and Sheila and Edward looked after me.  I was very happy on their boat so they could have taken as long as they wanted.

Later we walked into town along the Rhine. We walked past lots of lovely smelling restaurants along the river and then headed into the old town and even more food smells in a market.  By they time they went into Laura’s Deli for lunch I was starving, but all I got to eat was a biscuit!  Alison then went off to meet Maggie at the airport whilst Brian and I wandered home through the narrow streets of the old town.  I like Dusseldorf, especially as we didn’t need to do any sightseeing!

Edward and Sheila came round for drinks in the evening to say hello to Maggie but Teddy must have decided to stay at home. It’s not easy jumping from one deck to another when you are a bit older. I think Brian finds it hard sometimes too!

The harbour at Dusseldorf is surrounded by very modern buildings and lots of restaurants and bars. Three of them were designed by the same architect and they all have wonky looking windows.  My favorite is the shiny silver one you can see in one of the pictures below.

4th September – Cologne to Dusseldorf

A short trip down river to Dusseldorf. Another city harbour deep in a well due to lack of water.  Outside though, there was green – a nice park area next to the Rhine.  The park had some funny animals in it that I hadn’t seen before. They had long ears – even longer than mine – and hopped around leaving lots of little round pellets for me to eat. Very tasty – at least they are when you are a starving labrador.

I was left home alone too much for my liking today. Once whilst they went up to the top of a very high tower, to look at the views they said, then again whilst they went out for dinner… again!  As we were moored off Teddy’s boat again and he was also left home alone, we could have had a party, if only I hadn’t been locked in my cage.

3rd September – Mondorf to Cologne

Another few hours on the Rhine and we arrived in Cologne, or Koln, to  give it it’s proper German name.  This time we are in a big harbour right in the middle of town, so no swimming here. Guess what we did instead?  My favorite pastime, sightseeing.  Just to matters worse, the cage came out later and I was left home alone whilst they all went for a night out at a beer Keller.  Next stop is a city too, so I fear more of the same!

2nd September – Winningen to Mondorf

The end of the Mosel today and onto the Rhine.  There is lots of talk of low water but for us, for the moment, it is fine.  Some harbours along the way don’t have enough depth so we are ringing ahead. When I say we, I mean Sheila, as she is the linguist. Actually, for all they know I might be a linguist too, but I don’t get asked.

Our destination was Mondorf, a lovely little sheltered harbour just north of Bonn.  I had already spied the lack of green water, ie algae, on the Rhine and that the low water levels had created lots of beaches, so it was all toes crossed again! Then joy of joys we went for walk and down to the water. Teddy likes water too, but he’s much slower than me so it was easy to pinch all his sticks… although just like with the ball at Schweich they sometimes made sure he got there first!  We were both very happy dogs.

1st September – Winningen

We found out today that the harbour we were planning to go to in Koblenz doesn’t have enough water, so after much discussion – that started at coffee time and finished after lunch – it was decided that we would stay in Winningen another night and set off down the Rhine tomorrow.  It seems as if they have found some harbours with just enough water, so we are setting off first thing in the morning in convoy.

Sheila, Alison, Teddy and I went into town later on – that nice walk along the inviting Mosel –  to check out restaurants for the evening. We weren’t invited of course, but as there was a band on I was more than happy to stay snuggled up in my cage.  Looks like they had a good time though!

  31st August – Cochem to Winningen

Before we left Cochem Alison decided to walk up to a tower above the town and took me with her. I knew I had to be good if I wanted to be taken again, so I was. I didn’t pull or bark at other dogs once.  I know I was in the good books when I got back.

Nearly at the end of the Mosel now so they decided to stop in a big harbour at Winningen, a few kilometres outside Koblenz. Alison had read that there was fountain in the town that spouted wine rather than water during the wine festival.. and this weekend it is the wine festival!  We walked into town along the river, it was so inviting, but we weren’t allowed to swim. This horrible algae is spoiling all our fun.

We found the fountain but it wasn’t spouting anything, neither water nor wine, which is a shame. There is a festival going on though and a band were getting ready to play, but luckily we left before it started as I don’t like loud music!

The town is really pretty and all decked out in flags and vines. Everyone seemed very happy with the decision to stay here – and so would Teddy and I if only we had been able to swim!

30th August – Zell to Cochem

On the way to Cochem we overtook a car. Yes, it was a car, I’m not making it up and here’s the picture to prove it.  It didn’t seem to be going very fast so I hope they didn’t have far to go.

We arrived in Cochem along with the two Teddies and met up with Elizabeth and Ron.  More sightseeing, more crooked black and white houses and a moving statue. At least I thought it was a statue, but when we gave it some money, it moved!!  Very clever, I couldn’t keep still for so long!

Cage back out at night as they all went out for dinner. I can cope, even though I think it’s getting a bit small for me now.

29th August – Traben-Trarbach to Zell

When we set off today we were supposed to be heading for Cochem, but after stopping for lunch in Zell we decided to stay put rather than move on.  A bit later Teddy 2 came in too, so it was all happy families, or it would be if only I could play with the Teddies.  Zell is the home of the black cat wines (Schwarze Katie) so there were pictures of cats everywhere. I’m not sure about cats as they’re not very friendly and some even spit at me.

Another first today as I went to a museum. The nice man on the door said we were allowed in so off we went to be educated about black cat wines – well I would have been if I’d have bothered to watch the video!  We then went in a lift to look at lots of pictures of floods on the Mosel years ago – I could have swum down the high street and into the museum in 1983!

28th August – Bernkastel-Kues to Traben-Trarbach

Another convoy, this time with Sheila, Edward, Teddy, Elizabeth and Ron.  Elizabeth and Ron carried on once we got to Traben whilst the rest of us moored on the side of the river and wandered into town. Teddy just went to sleep during lunch whilst I wanted to play. I kept trying to crawl under the table to him but kept being hauled back.  I was probably a bit of a nuisance and I suspect it will affect my next night out… but I can’t help it, I just need to play!

I think I deserved a bit of play time today as I took charge of the helm (as they call it) this morning.  All that responsibility is exhausting. Just think, the boat weighs 20 tons and I weigh 25 kgs – but I’m in charge!

After our walk around town we moved out to the yacht harbour a few kilometres further on.  It’s very quiet here but I still need to keep a look out for any suspicious looking people – and there are plenty around.  Teddy should really be helping me but he doesn’t seem too bothered and just goes to sleep.

I walked the plank (posh passerelle) onto Teddy’s boat today. I checked his dishes, just in case his food was more interesting than mine. He hadn’t left any though so it was hard to tell.  I did notice though, that his food sacks were just stacked up in the sitting area at the back of the boat.  Can you imagine, just there for the taking with no difficult doors to try to open like at home…..  After my walk later on I tried to get back on his boat…..

27th August – Schweich to Bernkastel-Kues

We left Schweich in convoy with two other boats, one being Teddy 2’s and had a quick run through two locks to Bernkastel-Kues.  Here we met up with Edward, Sheila and Teddy as well as Elizabeth and Ron (who don’t have a dog).  There is a big field near the harbour which is just perfect for playing in but for some reason the ball never came out. I could run around but it just wasn’t the same.

Later we walked into Bernkastel, but thankfully didn’t need to do much sightseeing as they had been there last year.  So we just met up with the others and went and had a drink in a little square with funny shaped houses.  Then we walked back again. I think it is the furthest I have walked, but it wasn’t a problem and I would still have liked to play in the field when we got back… given the chance.

25th & 26th August – Schweich

Alison set off early to catch the train back to Toul to pick up the car whilst we had a lie in. Well it was raining and I was in no hurry to get up.  Then it was back in the cage… again… whilst Brian went shopping.  Alison came back in the afternoon and I was so excited.. to see the car.. so I just jumped straight in. Then I remembered to say hello to Alison.

Teddy and I went for another play with the ball. I think sometimes they deliberately throw it so he will gets there first, but I don’t really mind and he’s getting much better at dropping it.

The next day Teddy left with Shelia and Edward and a nearly identical Teddy (Teddy 2) moved into their place.  He never came out to play though so I don’t know how friendly he was.

We are staying an extra day here so they can catch up on “chores” and Alison can go off on a long bike ride.  It was sunny again, but not too hot, just perfect for lying on the cushions on deck.

24th August – Schwebsange to Schweich

At last….. the temperature has dropped. I feel so much better I just want to play, bark at any passing dogs, people or boats and chew my bone.  It was heaven to stretch out on the cushions again and watch the world go by, instead of cowering in my tent under the table. Doggy bliss!

We arrived in Schweich late afternoon and moored next to Teddy, Edward and Sheila. It seemed to take ages to get organised so I jumped off as I wanted to see Teddy… urgently!  I’m not supposed to jump off, so of course I was in trouble.

Schweich does have fields as promised and it seems we can play in them, so after what seems like years since I was off the lead, I could chase around and play ball.  Teddy played too. He can’t run very fast any more, but he still managed to pinch my ball.  I didn’t really mind though, it’s just nice to have another dog to play with.

Cage out again later so I obviously wasn’t invited for dinner.  I wasn’t very well behaved at dinner last night so perhaps I am still in trouble.  Edward and Sheila came round before and after though so it wasn’t too bad.

We are here for 2 or 3 days as tomorrow is car moving day. It doesn’t involve me of course, so as Alison is off early I might just have a lie in.

23rd August – Saarburg to Schwebsange

I woke them up early this morning as I wasn’t feeling quite myself.  Not so off coulour that I was off my food, just not right.   I went out, ate  some grass, was sick 3 times then felt much better.  I was ready for breakfast then, but was told it was too early…..

A bit later Alison went out on one of her morning explores and this time decided to take me with her.  We walked up to the castle, looked at the view at the top, nearly went up the spiral staircase to the top of the castle tower (before deciding it probably wasn’t wise) and then back down to Markt to look at the waterfall in daylight.  We were going to have coffee in the square but it was too early and the cafes weren’t open.  They need to think about getting up earlier like me!

 

We left Saarburg and then a bit later, the Saar,  as we turned left (or port in boat speak) onto the Mosel.  We will be sailing on the Mosel (German) or Moselle (French) for the next week heading for Koblenz and the Rhine on our way to the Netherlands.  Before that that though, we travelled in the opposite direction to Luxembourg to get some cheap fuel!.  Arrived in the harbour in Schwebsange late afternoon and filled up with diesel.  They think the saving of about 30 cents a litre was worth the detour…

I have all my fingers crossed that today is the last very hot day….  I’ve had enough of the heat and so have the others!  Tomorrow we retrace our steps and then head east to Schweich where I will meet up with Teddy.  I am told there is a field to play in and I might, just might, be able to swim.

22nd August – Saarlouis to Saarburg

Cage still up…. what’s up?  It was soon revealed.  On our journey today we went past Mettlach, a lovely village on a beautiful section of the river.  Mettlach is the headquarters of Villeroy and Boch and as there is a large outlet store there and apparently, we need some new crockery, it was an essential stop.  I was allowed a walk from our sheltered (luckily) mooring before they cycled off to spend money.  Except they didn’t.   I thought they might at least have bought me back a new dog bowl, but no, they came back empty handed. Nothing suitable the right size I believe.  I can’t pretend to understand. A bowl is a bowl and a plate is a plate. As long as they are big enough to hold my food  that’s all that matters.  Being human is so much more complicated.

 

Saarburg is another mooring on the side of the river, although this mooring caused a lot of debate. I wasn’t bothered one way or another,  I just wanted to get off and explore!  Alison wanted to moor in town as it is supposed to be very pretty,  but Brian was worried about having enough water and was tempted by the yacht harbour further out of town. Guess who won!

After dinner we did go for our walk around town and very lovely it was too.  there are Windy lanes, a ruined castle and a 20 metre waterfall in the centre of Markt, the town square.

21st August – Saarbruken to Saarlouis

The cage is back out! I’ve already been locked in whilst they went to the supermarket but afterwards it was still there…. which seemed ominous.  On our way to Saarlouis I found out why.  They had decided to visit a steel museum at Völklingen Hutt about 10 kms downstream.  It is apparently a UNESCO world heritage site and very interesting – if you like that sort of thing!  Of course I don’t, so I wasn’t too bothered about being left alone. I had a fan on to keep me cool, so managed to catch up on some beauty sleep during the hours they were away.

We then moved to Saarlouis and our mooring on the side of the river.  We were right next to a little bar so once we had tied up went up for a drink.  This bar knows about priority as I was served first, without even asking AND I got a chew.  Once I was finished she told Brian he could go up to the counter and order his own drinks! Ha Ha!!

20th August – Sarrequemines to Saarbruken

We are in pottery country and as Sarrequemines is a pottery town we wanted to go round the museum at the water mill but unfortunately it was shut. So, after a look round the town and  some discussion (yet again, none of it involving me) we decided to move on to Saarbruken, rather than spend another night here as originally planned.

Saarbruken is a big city and the river runs right through the middle, separating the original town from St Johanner, which is now considered to be heart of the old town.  We loved St Johanner Markt, it was buzzing with restaurants and shops, as were all the little lanes around it.

The next morning we “did” the Saarbruken side and Alison went to the historical museum.  Most of the buildings are painted white and the whole place looks very smart.  I believe the shopping is second to none, but luckily for we didn’t do any!

The down side of Saarbruken is the mooring. Although at the side of the river, in a park just minutes from St Johanner Markt, at the other side of the river is a motorway and the noise was just too much for my very sensitive ears.  Staying on deck wasn’t an option, which was a shame as it was a bit hot down below!  People of Saarbruken take note, I love your city but won’t be coming back until you sort it out!

19th August – Sarralbe to Sarrequemines

Another 4 to 5 hours up the Canal de Sarre and we joined the river at Sarrequemines, our destination for tonight.  The mooring here is very pretty and next to a park, or more correctly,  right next to a designated boules area within the park. This strange game is so popular in France.

On the way here we stopped for lunch at a lovely old mill on the river which at that time was running parallel with the canal.  The water looked very inviting but as the mill was next to a big wier I wasn’t allowed in.

Out for dinner at night – including me – so I must be in the good books!  I’m not sure they thought I behaved too well though as there were children around and i just wanted to play with them.

18th August – Mittersheim to Sarralbe

Sadly we left Mittersheim this morning to travel to Sarralbe, a bigger town further downstream.  Before we left I had another play with our neighbours black lab then Alison cycled to a medieval village nearby.

We arrived in Sarralbe after a detour to – guess what – a supermarket for a stock up.  Stock up on what, I continually ask, although I did get a carrot out of it so I can’t complain too much.  The mooring is very smart and next to a park, which is always good news for me. I don’t think there’s  a lake here though so swimming is off the agenda.

17th August – Houillon to Mittersheim

Thirteen locks down the Canal de la Sarre to Mittersheim.  This tiny village has one very big thing going for it, a lake.  On the chart (as they call the map) there is a picture of a swimmer, so all pads and toes were crossed.  As we passed the lake on the way to the mooring we saw people swimming… yeeeesss!!  Our neighbour, who has a 3 year old black lab I played with before pinching her enormous toy, told us where the best swimming spot was, so off we went.  I can’t describe what heaven it was after days of hot sun and no swimming.

On the way here I met a few new friends at a lock. First it was a golden retriever, then a goose and finally a collie. The goose was very friendly and nearly came on board. I’m not sure what I would have made of that!

16th August – Parroy to Houillon

Another hot day for our trip to Houillon on the Canal de La Sarre. We left the Marne au Rhin at Rechicourt to turn north up the Sarre, a canal that will eventually take us into Germany.  I need to learn a few important German words before then to help with my socializing.

At Houillon we are next to another etang, but this time it doesn’t look very inviting. I still wouldn’t turn down the opportunity for a swim if allowed, but it doesn’t have quite the same appeal as Parroy

We are mooring stern to again tonight so its down the ramp, sorry passerelle, and onto the shore.  I’m getting an old hand at this now.

15th August – Nancy to Parroy

We said goodbye to Teddy, Edward, Sheila and Judy and continued on our way east along the Marne au Rhin.  Our destination was Parroy, a mooring in a lovely rural setting with an etang, or lake just behind it.  I was really hoping for a swim, but even though we had a long walk around it, it wasn’t to be. I was so disappointed I tried to jump in the canal instead. I didn’t make it though, sadly.

 

14th August – Toul to Nancy

We left Toul in the morning after a delay with a faulty lock and continued along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin to Nancy.  I’m told Nancy has a beautiful square, Stanislas Square, which is one of the largest in Europe.  I’m also told that it has one of the best son et lumiere’s in France, but what would I know, I wasn’t included in their jollies.  They have shown me pictures though, so begrudingly,  I have included one here.

In Nancy we met up with Teddy and his owners Edward and Sheila. Teddy is a golden retriever and although he is a lot older than me he was very patient when I wanted to play with him…. well he ignored me really, but I don’t mind that.  Anyway Edward, Sheila, Judy (Sheila’s sister), Brian and Alison all went off for the evening leaving Teddy and me home alone, but sadly not together. At least sadly for me, but gratefully I suspect, for Teddy.

Two things came out again today, my cage for my home alone evening and my ramp,  or to give it its new posh name, passerelle (well if Teddy can have one). We had to moor stern to and dropping the dingy and setting up my ramp took forever, or at least it seemed like it as I was desperate to get off.  You’re be glad to know I hadn’t forgotten how to use it.

12th & 13th August – Toul

We are here for 3 nights so they can catch up on more chores and move the car from Auxonne. It will then stay here for the next few weeks until Alison returns for it from somewhere further north.

We did have time for a long walk along the towpath of the Canal de Marne au Rhine, which is one of the closed canals.  It looks like it has plenty of water in it to me – although I could only see from a distance as I wasn’t allowed to go for a swim.  There is something called blue green algae round here which is poisonous to dogs, so swimming is strictly off the agenda.  We saw it in a lock – it was bright green, like pea soup and I certainly wouldn’t have liked to swim in it anyway.

 

Then it was time for a beer with the French couple we met the other day.  Unfortunately there were 4 yappy little dogs in the bar and they just wouldn’t shut up. I didn’t want to play with them anyway.

11th August – Richardmenil to Toul

The temperature is creeping up again and will hit 30 tomorrow. Today the wind helps keep us cool so I can cope without my table tent. We have left the small french locks behind and are now back to enormous ones rather like the ones on the Rhone.  Or at least we were until we started climbing up the 4 locks into Toul and the Port de France.

The harbour is very quiet as so many canals are closed people have  given up and gone home.  But… when I say quiet I mean quiet with boats NOT quiet with people. It is summer holidays here so there is a children’s fair and then in the evening a vintage rock band.  I don’t always like loud music but this was fine and I liked the music. Had a dance with Alison on deck to Elvis (whoever he is).

10th August – Charmes to Richardménil

The temperature is now 25 degrees and positively cool compared to the last 2 weeks.  it means I can be much more active on deck and make sure I don’t miss anything important.  At one point today I was desperate to get off the boat, something was in the air as we passed by lots of lakes.  I don’t know what it was and they certainly don’t, but some instinct told me I had to go. If Alison hadn’t kept hold of me I would have jumped, I know I would.. I think it must be my hormones.

The canal is beautiful again now after a bit of a boring stretch between Thaon-les-Vosges and Charmes. We’re back to trees lining the banks to give us shade from the sun.  We are also following the Moselle along the route and there are lots of lakes – they all look very inviting.

We also crossed the Flavigny aqueduct, that’s a bridge carrying water to you and me. Below us was the Moselle but it was far to far away to think about jumping in.

We arrived in Richardménil in the late afternoon to find a quiet mooring right next to a field, so it was play time again.  They have a new ball thrower which is just as well as they are both hopeless at throwing balls far enough for me. It can be a bit confusing as it looks like they are throwing in one direction but the ball goes in the other.  Not sure if it is just their technique but it certainly confuses me.

There is a passarelle across the canal near us.  It is a very smart metal structure with a lot of history. It has survived two world wars in an area heavily bombed in WWII (Charmes was virtually wiped out) and although damaged in the war it survived after being patched up.  It was completely renovated in 1991 and is now an important site in Richardménil. It is also totally dog unfriendly as it has a horrible sharp metal floor that cuts our paws. Obviously the architect did not have a dog – unless it was one of those handbag pooches you could carry across.

9th August – Charmes

So the rain did come but judging from the reported floods in the south I think we have been lucky.  There is a tree down on our route, but it doesn’t really delay as us they will have removed it by midday tomorrow.

Today was catch up day. Me on my sleep and the others on their chores. All that cleaning and polishing seems pointless to me – it will only get dirty again.

The rain stoppped later in the day so we went out for a walk. Over the bridge and down to the river for lots of ball throwing and swimming, then along the tow path for a bit of “heel” training… so boring.

Something odd happened today, my cage disappeared. I know they had to move it for the cleaning but then they didn’t put it back. I know I wasn’t sleeping in it much as it was too hot, but I miss it now its gone.  They decided to watch a film in the evening and I don’t always like the loud noise so kept trying to go to my bed, but it wasn’t there.  Just watch it come back though next time they leave me home alone.

8th August – Thaon-les-Vosges to Charmes

A mere 10 locks today to get to Charmes, a not very charming town.  We are sharing the mooring with a lot of camper vans and after meeting very few boats on the canal suddenly this place is full.  We have had to moor off another boat as the only spaces available were too shallow for us to get near the bank and although I would happily jump off and swim to shore, I don’t think the others are that keen.

We are staying here a couple of nights as the forecast is for a storm tomorrow. Hopefully this means the temperatures will drop a bit as I’m getting a bit fed up of trying to keep cool all the time.  I have a tent under the table which keeps me out of the sun, but it makes it more difficult to keep an eye out for anything of interest on the towpath.

7th August – Chaumousey to Thaon-les-Vosges

We set off first thing to travel a couple of kilometres up the canal to Bouzey.  Alison had done a reccy the evening before to check out the reservoir and found that it was a big tourist site with cafes, beaches and of course, swimming.  Best of all, dogs were welcome and allowed to go in the water outside the supervised area. It was heaven. I could run along the sand and charge into the water for my ball. When it was time to go I really didn’t want to leave and refused to get out of the water. So what happened?  They just left me! I had to race up the beach to catch them up.

After 19 locks we arrived in Thaon-les-Vosges, our overnight stop, with a mooring right opposite a park and a big boules area.  I’ve mentioned boules before, its a game I can’t start to understand. What is the point of throwing balls and then not chasing them?  They just walk up to them, stare at them for ages, then pick them up and do the same again. Weird.

Strangely enoough we are moored next to another British narrowboat. This isn’t a traditional one like the last one we saw, but it is British and it is narrow, so it qualifies.  It is also small enough to tow, which is what they did – from the UK to Corre.

In a lot of towns and villages around here we have come across bicycles, painted and tied to railings, lamp posts, roundabouts or anywhere else they could think of.  Thaon-les-Vosges has taken it to the next level and have used bicycle parts to create very original sculptures. I have added a couple of pictures here – check out the wormy one made of tyres.

6th August – Uzemain to Chaumousey

I’m losing count of locks, there seem to be millions of them. It’s far too hot for that roping lark so I just make sure I stay out of the way.

Lunch today is at Girancourt and to my delight there is a dog playing in the water.  They say the water is not clean and I shouldn’t go in it… but I need to, I really need to… so I do.  I  now feel like a different dog!

The canal is so beautiful and the many trees that line its banks give us some shade from the relentless heat.  It’s shallow though, so we have to keep in the middle.  Talking about middle, we are now in the middle of France, equidistant between the Mediterranean and the North Sea (or so the sign says).

Our overnight stop is in the little village of Chaumousey, right on the cycle path.  This means lots of people passing by, which is just as well as there is nobody around in the village as they are all on their vacances (french for holidays!).

5th August – Fontenoy-le-Chateau to Uzemain

So many locks. We did 15 today.  They keep coming and disturbing my sleep – well at least some of the time.  I can happily hide in my tent under the table snoozing away until hear something with my super sensitive hearing which I feel requires a bark.

We broke our journey today for lunch at a lovely wooded picnic area joining two other boats already moored.  The two boats are travelling together, one French and the other Australian and we had a long chat with the lovely French lady who gave us lots of tips on where to stay and where to shop (of course).

We then moved onto to Uzemain and moored next to a English narrowboat. I’ve never seen one before and I’m not sure about them. They don’t have much deck to walk on so I don’t know how a dog can get about.  I love the paintwork though.

4th August – Corre to Fontenoy-le-Chateau

So it is goodbye Petit Saone and hello Canal de Vosges.  We left Corre this morning and have 90 locks to do before we leave the waterway.  As with Petit Saone we are in control but this time we have a zapper rather than twisting a long stick.  90 locks seem a lot of work to me, specially in the heat, so I think I’ll keep well hidden in my makeshift tent under the table.

Nine locks later we arrived at Fontenoy-le-Chateau, our destination for tonight.  We are moored along a long quay next to the Le Boat hire boat base just outside this pretty little village.  There has been an arts festival on in town today and we caught the end of it when we wandered in to look for a bar.  There were signs everywhere quoting famous poets and authors and the remains of stalls in the Halle (market).  In the bar I met a unfriendly spaniel who didn’t want anything to do with me. His loss.  His owner was nice though.

3rd August – Fouchecourt to Corre

Amother day of sweltering heat. It is 38 degrees inside the boat and 36 degrees outside. There is simply nowhere to hide from it.  Although trees line the river they don’t give any cover in the middle of the day, which always seems to be the time we are travelling.  We are now at the end of the Petit Saone and tomorrow we say goodbye to the Saone and Petit Soane, rivers which we have been sailing on since arriving back in Lyon in June.

Corre is another perfect spot for all of us.  We are moored outside the habour on a long pontoon on the river. There is a good restaurant, plenty of space to play in and a perfect place to jump into the river – and I so love to jump into the river.  On the minus side, it was a long walk to the supermarket – yes they needed to shop… again.

Out to dinner again tonight as it is too hot to cook. Again I was allowed to go with them,  I can’t believe my luck at the moment – long may this hot weather continue.

2nd August – Scey to Fouchecourt

The upper Saone is so beautiful.  There are trees lining the banks, plenty of places to moor in the shade and the locks are now so narrow I can’t believe we fit in.  There are trying to get me to give a hand with the ropes, but so far I’d rather leave them to it. I do go up front (the bow) to keep Alison company, but I prefer to watch rather that participate.

We stoppped for lunch at a pontoon at Baulay and wandered into the village to look at the church roof.  In this area – Franche-Comté – the tiled roofs of the churches are famous, so of course we need to photograph them.   When we got back I was allowed to swim and so dived in to play with a load of young people (like me) who were diving off the bridge nearby.

We then arrived at the lovely little harbour of Fouchcourt, which is just perfect.  There is a restaurant and bar, a garden to play in and access to the river for a swim. What more could I want.  I was even allowed out for dinner where I was perfectly behaved, unlike the Croatian dog on another table who yapped all evening!  I think I got a few brownie points tonight, which is just as well as it is too hot to be locked in my cage when they go out.

1st August – Seveux to Scey sur Saone

It is hot, very hot. The sort of hot they give health warnings about.  So as far as I’m concerned somewhere to cool off in the water is a key priority – just hope they feel the same.

Tonight we are in Scey sur Saone, at the haute nautique in the Centre of town. This meant a 3 km sail up the river (off the derivation) but it means I get to swim and they get to shop!  Before I could swim though I had to trail all over town with Alison checking out sights and restaurants. we walked for hours and it was all very boring.  Anyway, it eventually ended and I was rewarded with a trip to the slipway for a cooling swim.  Alison came with me but she slipped on the slipway and fell in… ha ha.

 

31st July – Gray Plage to Seveux/Savoyeux

Another swim this morning, but this time without anyone disturbing my play. I could swim all day given the chance, but I never am.

We are moored next to a friendly Palestinian family who were on a boating holiday in Europe for the first time. They were saying how lucky we all were being able to cross borders without even thinking about it, not something they can contemplate in the Middle East.  As we drove through 5 countries to get here I think I understand what they mean.

A first for me today was a tunnel and it was so cool I could have stayed in it all day.  I don’t mind the dark and the boat behind us decide to play music throughout. It was good music and a great atmosphere.

At the end of the tunnel is the harbour of Saone Plaisance, between Seveux and Savoyeux, which is our destination for tonight.  No Plage here though, so no swimming. Alison has put a paddling pool on the bow for me to lie in, but I don’t want to lie, I want to run and chase balls and the stupid paddling pool is too small for that.  I think she has given up on me as it’s just been emptied!

30th July – Auxonne to Gray Plage

We are now travelling on the Petit Saone, a much smaller waterway with automatic locks.  There are no lock keepers here so we control the locks by twisting a long stick hanging out of the water.  The sticks are so inviting, but I haven’t been able to catch one yet.

Our desination today was Gray, or more accurately, Gray Plage. Plage is French for beach and beach means swimming!  Many French beaches don’t allow dogs in the summer, but there was no problem with this one, so I could play to my heart’s content.  There were some boys throwing a ball in the water so sometimes I didn’t know which one to chase.  I don’t think they were too happy when I pinched their ball, but it served them right for being such slow coaches.

Gray itself is a lovely old town with a medieval haute or high town and a 18th century stone bridge spanning the Saone. It is 35 degrees at the moment, so too hot for sight seeing for me, so I let them go off on their own.

29th July – Auxonne

Another day in Auxonne whilst they did a few jobs and of course a bit more shopping.  It wasn’t a problem for me though as it gave me more swimming time at my favorite spot.  I think I’m quite expert now.

Auxonne is the town where Napoleon started his military career and the harbour at Port Royal is right next door to the military base for the transport corps.  I saw lots of soldiers around town all wearing camouflage.  I like the idea of camouflage and a flak jacket would be ideal for when I’m in trouble, which seems to be most of the time.

28th July – Perl-Nennig to Auxonne

Another boring car journey, but at least this time the destination was Auxonne and Annapanna. When we arrived it was hot, but cloudy, which was just as well as it took ages to unload the contents of Moreton Hall Cottage into Annapanna.  I can’t believe the amount of stuff we have or where it disappears to once on board. I reckon Annapanna must be a secret tardis. I remembered everything though; how to get on, how to ask for a lift down, where my food is kept and most important of all, where I can swim.

It hasn’t rained much since we were here in June and the water levels through France are very low… but here, somehow, the levels have raised.  My pebbly beach has gone and there is no gentle paddle into the water, but I don’t care, in fact I prefer it. I just launch myself off the bank into the water.  Underwater swimming will be next on my skill list.

27th July – Rotterdam to Perl-Nennig

We have a long way to drive from Rotterdam so we broke the journey at Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg in Perl-Nennig in Germany.  Unlike the ferry it is very dog friendly and waiting in our room was a towel, food bowls and a bag of treats – Mr P&O take note!  The Scloss has a 3 Michelin star restaurant which attracts people from all over the place… and as they obviously need to get there quickly this place has three helipads!  I sat and waited on one hoping that a helicopter would come along and offer me a lift, but I was out of luck, so I had to make do with another long car journey instead.

26th July – Whalley to Hull

Mamma Mia, here we go again!  After just under 4 weeks in Whalley we set off back to Auxonne and Annapanna, although this time via a different route.  Instead of hours on the road heading south to the tunnel, we took the M62 to Hull and caught the ferry to Rotterdam.

I was in trouble before we even started though. Sheila gave me a packet of 7 dentastix – note the me here.   I was given one whilst I waited for them to finish loading most of the contents of the house into the car and as this took ages and I had clocked where Brian had put the packet, I decided to help myself to the rest of them. I was just finishing number six when they noticed! What a fuss. As I see it they were mine, to do with I wanted and I wanted…to eat them.

It only took two hours to get to Hull so we had time for a walk in the Humber Bridge park and a quick shop for new toys (which will probably join the others in the water) before boarding our ship.  The Pride of Rotterdam is enormous and nothing like Annapanna. I believe it has lots of cabins, restaurants, bars and even a casino. But what would I know, as I was locked in a prison cell with all the other dogs. At least I had my own cell, but I would much rather have checked out the bars and restaurants and slept in a cabin.