13th June onto Vernon

We were torn between staying and moving on but after a slow bike ride (I'm sure the bum is getting less sore!) decided to move on. A slow chug in the sunshine saw us arrive at Les Andelys with a view of staying overnight and visiting Richard the Lionheart's castle the next day. As the small town "marina" is silted up we moored to an old green jetty which was also recommended in a recent article in Practical Boat Owner by a couple doing a similar voyage. We met 4 English bikers who were touring the area and after a chat sat and relaxed on board for a few minutes. We were then visited by the local police, who were most apologetic but said we could not stay as the berth was only for the large hotel ships and if we did we would get a parking ticket. This was despite Bizet, one of these ships, being moored and taking up the whole of the main quay nearby. It was now late, about 5:30 and the next stopping place, Vernon, was above the next lock which closed for business at 7pm. Warp drive was engaged and we neared the lock at 6 30 to see Bizet storming up behind. Rough justice, he was told to follow us into the lock.

This was an "experience" as we sat at the end of the lock watching this monster that could only just squeeze in through the gates approach. Alison fought the helm admirably against Bizet's bow thrusters while we worked our way up the lock, chatting to the American's on deck who were highly amused by the spectacle. We were offered beer and food but couldn't quite reach - never mind. Out of the lock we had a gentler chug to Vernon where we moored next to Fantastico at the lovely local yacht club. We were glad to be there and did not even mind the partying of the regatta that was in till 1 am.