On 5th Sept we
locked up into the Canal Du Centre. The approach to the very large lock is very
forbidding with no mooring place and old wrecks sunken alongside. Once we were
on the canal however we felt that at last we could relax as we were nearing our
ultimate destination Roanne . We spent four nights at Fragnes where we
experienced our first serious rainfall since beginning the journey. After this
we stopped Chagny ,St Berain sur Dheune, les 7 Ecluses ,Blansey. Monceau les
Mines and then to Genelard where we
spent four weeks .While there we returned to Ireland to collect our car and
bring it to France for a few months. The journey from Ireland consisted of a 3
hour drive to Rosslare an 18 hour ferry to Cherbourg followed by an 8 hour
drive to Genelard.I can tell you a few days rest were needed after that.
Following that adventure we continued on to Paray Le Monial ,Digoin and then
onto the Canal Roanne a Digoin for our journey to Roanne.We stopped at Artaix
and Brennon and finally arrived in Roanne on Thursday 24th October just in time
for the Port welcoming party which we thoroughly enjoyed after our adventure.
We met several people who will be our neighbours until next May and everyone
was very welcoming. We are really looking forward to the next six month in Roanne.
