We reached Valenciennes on 17th July and, luckily for us, the flow of water beside the moorings was not too strong. There is a weir at the end of the moorings so if the water is high and the wind is up it can be a difficult approach. We had been warned; but we were lucky and Philippe, Capitaine, was on hand to help us. The boat beside us has cameras set up and the next day we were surprised to learn that the owner of that boat had contacted the Port to express concern at the speed at which we entered our mooring. We haven’t seen the video but we certainly didn’t come in fast so we presume it must be something to do with the camera shot. Pasqueline (from the capitainerie) keeps warning me that anything I do might be ‘on camera!’
We’ve been here a few days and are taking things pretty easy even though there are always more jobs to do on a boat.
We walked along to the Etang des Vignobles on Sunday which was lovely and we saw some lovely wild flowers.
The centre of town is pretty busy with lots of people in the shops, bars and cafes but we have decided to keep a ‘low profile’ (as me dear old mum used to say!)
On Wednesday we went into town to get photocopies of a map book and to visit the weekly market. As ever we thoroughly enjoyed the market and the banter with the stallholders!
Then on Thursday Andy drove over from Bruges to pick us up so we could collect our car. We had a delightful overnight stay with Grainne and Andy and the dogs and went to the Brewery for dinner – complete with live music.
On Friday we drove over to see Jo & Tim in Veurne and spent another delightful evening with them before returning to the boat on Saturday for a well earned rest!
Piedaleau 