Lot River We hired a car for the coming days and commenced exploring further afield. This day found Bob, Myself and our friends – Dicko and Shirley, who had joined us for a few weeks – heading north to explore the the River Lot region. Agen-France-to-Agen-France-Google-Maps-12th-july.pdf Not long on the road, an unusual tower was […]

At last it has been possible to commence working on that massive backlog. Click the link to view yesterday’s part of the trip. This page is a work in progress. http://www.gratisaustralis.com/?page_id=2676

We arrived in Agen late this afternoon: Exhausted plus!!! [map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” address=”Agen, France” marker=”yes”]

Our first lock for the day was a double with an aquaduct passing over the la Baise river. Quite a rise was required in order for the river to be safely crossed, hence the deep double lock system. A bit of surprise on the last few locks with the control systems now being to port […]

Another full on day. What sights seen as we motored past thick bush, and visited Les Mas – d’Agenais, a town with in excess of 2000 years of history. Visiting the church to view a Rembrandt was the highlight.  

A cool overcast morning with a feel of autumn to it, Gratis departed Pont des Sables at 08:00. At Caumont – sur Garonne – a never ending row of campers in caravans parked upon the canal’s edge, whilst a number of barges moored nearby. Children canoeing brought a vibrant contrast of colours to the green […]

One would think life would now slow down with our arrival in the canal system. Not the case: there is so much to see and do that. Keeping up with the pics and spiels is proving difficult, but we are slowly wading through them. Yesterday saw us enjoy delightful motor to Pont des Sables, followed […]

We stayed put today and took a bus into the nearby town of Marmonde. This was a town known for its tomato festival, Eglise Notre Dame – sections of which date back to the 13th century and wall mural created from millions of small tiles. A quick visit to the tourism centre enabled us to […]

A beautiful motor up the Canal du Garonne and we arrived at Fontet. [map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” address=”Fontet, france” marker=”yes”]  

Oft times, we found ourselves shaded by cooling canopies of creeper encrusted trees stretching their branches out over the canal, creating an emerald world reminiscent of the Land of Oz. A smoke filled haze filling the air created an ethereal landscape as we rounded one of the bends. It was created by a landowner burning off. […]

A sleep in this morning and our lazy days of travel have commenced. A change to the dinghy arrangement, a quick ‘house’ clean and we were off. Boats are moored close together here and the stern mooring is placed dead centre. In reverse, our motion rapidly came to a dead stop. Believing the prop had […]

An early start and heading towards our first lock and Castets – en – Dorthe.

Full moon having been a few days prior, this was the day upon which the tidal stream would be fastest and for the shortest length of time. An early start, rearrangement of the mooring lines to ensure ease of cast off in what was already a strong flow. Pull in the stern line, slowly release […]

One would not want to fall in the river here. This tree branch which thrust itself through the pontoon decking overnight gives one an indication of the river’s power. Marina pylons used along the Gironde are gigantic here, a requirement for the powerful tidal rushes. The marina:   The day was searching for the Navicartes […]

A short 5nm motor up river took us to Bègles on this morning. Bordeaux, with its centuries old buildings, viewed from the river was an awe inspiring sight to one visiting for the first time. Excitement for the morning occurred upon entering the marina. At no time had we read or been informed that upon departing […]

[map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” address=”Bordeaux, France” marker=”yes”] The mast was removed and stored upon Gratis early this morning. After a wonderful sojourn up river at speeds of up to 10 knots we arrived on the outskirts of Bordeaux.

  By mid – morning we we upon the river and ‘motoring’ toward Bordeaux. Fifteen months after departing Adelaide and three major ocean crossings later, it was almost with disbelief that we realised we were truly setting out upon the next leg of our adventures: exploring Europe and the Mediterranean. Approximately 5 knots speed of the […]

After a pleasant day or so, it was go, go, go this particular morning. With the estuary/river tide (mascaret) always flooding or ebbing and low tide leaving mud flats in its wake at Pauillac, it’s imperative that any work be carried out at high tide: the ½ hour of still water between tidal change is […]

  [map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” address=”Pauillac” marker=”yes”]   We go to explore Pauillac today. Mast down tomorrow. Some shots from the marina.      

Currently motoring at 6 – 7 knots (a good 2 knots tidal) up the La Gironde Estuary towards Pauillac: sunny, warm, relaxing.