4 ton Hillyard, Patsy Rye, for sale, £12,750

Patsy Rye sale - photo gallery

2011-10-20T17:33:00.010+01:00

2011, autumn, awaiting new owner.
The bow fender is a relic of summer French canal cruise.

Note the boarding steps - 3 each side of the rudder,
2 on the transom. The small outlet left of the SSR no. is utilised by both the engine coolant anti-syphon and the PPS shaft seal.

The bigger yellow bag contains the vacuum fuel filler. The smaller a rescue sling. The hand bilge pump is on port seat upright. s/s brackets are for the cockpit table. Washboards are stowed between the seats.

The Icom command mic is stowed on port push-pit upright. Black coaming brackets are for the compass. A VHF stub antenna is just showing above the rescue sling - low down for ease of maintenance. Never had a problem with range.

Under the starboard cockpit seat is the fridge cold-box and the Taylor's stove remote pressure tank, with 2 cans of spare fuel. The s/s plate on the coaming is friction protection against the Wykeham-martin furler cords.

Under the port cockpit seat are 2x 110AmpH and 1x 90AmpH domestic batteries and a 90AmpH engine start battery. All are XM dual purpose, sealed types. All are individually isolatable. All are clamped and all terminals are covered. The Vetus SICO single lever control mechanism is also in this compartment. The lever itself can just be seen bottom right.

cockpit table erected

The Silva handheld VHF in its cockpit cruising position. The shock cord to the left holds, when appropriate, the bottom of the cockpit hatch mosquito net

Showing the Autohelm working position, and the diesel fuel filler. The small thru deck fitting on the right is power for a compass light which is housed in the end of the long s/s spring.

The Silva grid compass and compass light in place on the aft cockpit coaming.

Centre pic: the port Tufnell cockpit winch with its highly effective Barton self-tailing adaptor. The tiller pilot wireless remote is in its cruising holder, one of the cockpit coaming seats and its guardrail backrest are in place and the shore power lead can be seen disappearing under the side deck where the plug in located.

The instrument pod is built to house log, wind and depth gauges. Another Vtronix stub antenna can be seen mounted on the s/s instrument pod frame. Exasperation with, inaccessible flakey top-of-mast ariels led to this low level approach. Reception range has never been an issue.

4 belaying pins, mainly used for securing the mainsail. The Solara 45w solar panel can be seen to the left of the mast.

The solar panel and VHF deck loudspeaker extension share a deck gland.

Rigging screws on the port side shrouds provide good anchors for the foresail halyard blocks. 3 deck glands can be seen outside the toe rail. The nearest is the TV ariel, the 2nd the masthead VHF ariel, (currently unused) and the furthest away, feeds the power to the tri-colour and all-round white masthead light.

Neat pop-up cleats. 2 more midships and 2 astern. Wykeham-martin furlers can be seen on the foot of each foresail. A CQR anchor is stowed on bow roller with over 30m of 8mm chain in the chain locker. The winch is an Anchorman manual. Looped round the samson post is a rope with chain hook to stop those night time chain rumbles.

Main cabin with dinette in place. The Lavac toilet can just be seen in the fore-cabin.

Main cabin port side. Dinette drops down to form the 2nd bunk. Stowage under port side decks. Stowage under both dinette seats. Stowage in the dinette table. See pix elsewhere. Folio-size chart table, with stowage under and instruments above.

Another view of the chart table with instruments above. The black engine instrument panel can just be made out beneath the chart table lid. The 2 white, hand held flares are out of date!

The Taylor's pressure paraffin stove. Oven, grill plus 2 burners. Much appreciated for safety reasons by insurance companies. Once mastered this stove has behaved impeccably. Full training provided if required. Crockery stowage behind the s/s sink/drainer. The fridge compressor is underneath the sink.

A Black&Decker workmate toolbox doubles up as a step down into the main cabin. Just in front, on the left side floor board, can be seen the Whale Tiptoe foot freshwater pump - in its stowed position

Patsy Rye has two 1 kilo dry powder fire extinguishers and the fire blanket, plus a carbon monoxide detector elsewhere in the cabin. The top, black box is the fridge control. The grey box is the tillerpilot wireless remote base station and the white one is just a junction box. The wire thingy is for a kitchen roll.

Dinette down, 2nd bunk made up.

A double bunk... Look at the pic with just the two bunks made up and the between-bunks infill can just be made out - stowed upright against the starboard bunk.

Serious under floorboard stowage. The 1st 3 compartments are custom made epoxy/ply boxes. The remainder utilise Tupperware type airtight containers.

In-dinette stowage

Below-cooker stowage.

Below-cooker stowage in seagoing mode. Note the freshwater foot pump centre-right and the oven control top centre.

Removable epoxy/ply stowage under the after dinette seat. Stowing place for the cockpit table can be seen upright against the face of the seat box.

Removing the aft dinette-seat stowage reveals, a stringer and ribs.

Foreward under-dinette seat stowage, ply epoxied.

Forward under dinette seat stowage removed.

The starboard bunk with cushions removed. The double bearth between-bunks infill can be seen stowed vertically along the front face.

The, nearly empty, Plastimo, 150ltr flexible fresh water tank is stowed within the starboard bunk. The Jabsco water filter can be seen at the far end. The item lying on the tank is a hang-up solar shower.

Galley stowage.

Below-chart table stowage, with 2, fused switch panels. Also top right, the not-in-use stowage for the Autohelm wireless remote - a seriously good piece of kit.

Removing the base of the chart table reveals a plethora of electricals. Seen centre is the Sterling zinc saver - a galvanic isolator. This stops your marina neighbours piggybacking on your anodes when plugged into shore-power.

To the left is the Sterling 30amp shore-power charger. To the right, bright blue, the Sterling propowerS 600w sinewave inverter (12v -> 240v). Various major fuses elsewhere - all labelled.

A fore and aft shot of the electricals. Domestic fuses and junction boxes at the back, all labelled.

The back of the engine control panel runs diagonally left to right. The black/grey/blue box below is the Sterling battery-2-battery charger, which increases the charging efficiency of the engine's alternator.

A detailed view of the main instrument area. 2x DSC VHFs above. The primary one is an Icom icM505, (right), ATIS enabled, and with a cockpit command mic. The other is a Navman 7110 also with a command mic. The 2 lower items with covers are the GPS plotters. The Northstar plotter is linked an AIS detector, not quite visible behind the icom VHF. To the left of the Cobra plotter is the silver coloured solar panel charge controller.

The 3 Sterling remote controllers are to the left of the 2 white covered GPS plotters. 1 is for battery management, 1 for the shore-power charger and the 3rd for the battery-2-battery charger. Top right is the Navman instrument bus (complex junction box) with 3 black wires going thru the deck to the instrument pod. The Silva grid compass can be seen on the right at its inside stowage position.

The 25mm thick, marine ply engine cover. It slides inboard to remove.

The Yanmar 1GM10 partially revealed by sliding off the engine cover. 10bhp, single cylinder, raw seawater cooled. Fuel consumption no more than 0.5ltr per hour when cruising. In the French canals consumption was often down to c0.33ltr per hour.

All the covers off and access is remarkably easy. Pipes, hoses, cables stop cocks, fuel and water filters, engine mounts and all wiring (except the engine loom) installed 2006.

The exhaust hose is 45mm Vetus. The water cooling hose is 19mm. The additional, combined fuel filter and water bowl is half shown, bottom left.

The raw water intake is left side mid pic (green handle). The clear-topped water filter is half hidden just left and down. The exhaust water trap is aft of the engine, under the prop shaft.

The black plastic holder on the left, just out of the engine compartment, is for the Silva handheld VHF. On the other side the black T shape pull handle is for engine stopping and near to that, with the round red end is the Vetus SICO single lever engine control.

A spare Vetus LP water trap.

The PPS shaft seal works a treat. No drips. The spare Vetus prop at 12"x9" is 1" less in pitch than the new one fitted 4 years later in 2010. The yellow cable is connected to an external anode and various key metal components for galvanic protection.

The loop of exhaust hose to the left and the straight piece to the right of the keel are spare unused lengths. Enough for a complete replacement. The actual exhaust runs from the grey water trap beneath the prop shaft then alongside the blue pipe into the transom locker. The 2 copper pipes on the far left are the fuel feed and return. The blue pipes are the raw water cooling feed and return for the antisyphon. The clear pipe cable clipped to the blue hoses is the from the PPS shaft seal and the other clear pipe attached to a beam is protecting a 12v cable.

The blue ring binder contains the engine manual in its under floorboard stowage. Forward of it is a Whale Easybailer hand pump.The black hoses to the right are the hand and electric bilge pump outlets.

The fully laminated engine manual revealed. The white Whale Compaq50 bilge pump facing can be seen just below the workshop manual.

Transom locker. c30ltr copper fuel tank to the left. 2x 20 ltr collapsible water carriers are below. A 10ltr fuel can be seen. Hidden are 2x 5ltr fuel cans and one 20ltr fuel can that gets stowed in front of the transom locker door. The cockpit table and compass brackets also shown clearly.

The Lavac vacuum toilet - for people unfamiliar - uses a powerful, separate Whale pump (see later pic) to suck out contents and simultaneously suck in fresh seawater. Simple and less prone to blockages. The white container behind is is a 50ltr Plastimo blackwater tank. Behind that is the chain locker.

The heads is also used for rope, fender and other storage. Numerous fenders & warps come with the boat - see manifest. Note the inland cruising mooring irons and hammer and a 25m freshwater hose reel can be seen tucked behind one of the inland water cruising mast supports. The white hose heading towards the deck is the blackwater tank shore pumpout outlet.

The separate head's pump is centre pic. 2 3-way valves can be seen connected either side. These allow the one pump to empty the loo over board, or into the blackwater tank, or pump the tank contents over board. The black-topped grey cylinder to the left of the pump handle is the Vetus no-smell filter for the blackwater tank, overtheside vent. Above the filter can just be seen the 2nd inland waterways cruising mast support. The broad clear hose is the is the freshwater fill.

A floorboard is removed to show the Blakes toilet outlet seacock. Above and slightly right can be seen the Blakes inlet seacock. Both have yellow wires connected to anodes for cathodic protection. Both have clear labels: open/closed.

Modest but useful hanging cupboard.

Hatch mosquito net in action. The mast, in inland mode, is held by two specially made supports, (normally stored in the forecabin), plus the boom crutch at the stern.

In full sailing trim, Calais 2010.

Patsy Rye is for sale

2011-10-12T22:06:00.017+01:00

2008 Salcombe harbour

The previous owner of Patsy Rye, or Patsy as she was then called, handed over a substantial folder of relatively old, interesting, historical documents. Within a month or so this folder had been left in a backpack on the hook of a supermarket trolley in Tesco's Faversham car park. Never to be seen again. Mea culpa.

2010 depths of mid France

So from memory she was one of two 4 tonners specially built, in 1937, for the British Army's yacht club of Alexandria, Egypt. That explains the high spec. compared to the standard model. Teak on oak. Bronze keel bolts, lead keelson, beefier internal timbers. Mediterranean sun and wood borer resistant.

2011 just after final cruise

The only rot ever found under current ownership was in the main deck and deck beams, inevitably beneath the c70's abomination of polyester deck sheathing. The previous owner had had sorted the fore, side and transom decks. No hint of anything elsewhere. Then or now.

The use of epoxy and marine ply on the decks, polyurethane joint sealant, the astonishing (but pricey) Coelan polyU varnish, and the minimal movement of teak has made this the driest wooden boat ever experienced. The only leak in 5 years has been through a porthole seal. Easily sorted. Wonderful. The patter of rain on deck became became a true soporific, rather than a thing of fear.

Saturday, June 17, 2011

2011-06-20T17:07:00.002+01:00

A major incident day.

All started ok, but weather–hit. Frequent very heavy showers, cold and windy. The target was to get to the outskirts of Calais for a an easy run in on Sunday, leave the boat in the marina and take the ferry home with Chris in the evening.

Firstly the weather disrupted the initial idea of using the bikes in two easy stages. Wind and rain made the prospect too miserable. So decided that Chris, with the car, would met the boat at the overnight stop – at a place called Les Attaques. Pic 1 is the bridge at Hennuin about half way .

This idea was modified when progress was so good the whole trip to Calais was feasible on Saturday. And that’s what happened. Arrived outside the marina, waiting for the bridge to open, around 1530hrs.

Then a problem. Cast off buoy and engine stopped. Conditions very, very windy, force 8-9, SW. Drifting. So over the stern fully clothed, but couldn’t feel anything round the prop. Drifted past all the other buoys so no way there to stop the rather rapid progress to the harbour wall. Called over a handy port police RIB, who unfortunately, despite trying a number of times, was unable to find a way to secure a line in order to take Patsy Rye in tow.

Finally arrived at the wall and had a fight with large steel pile. Managed to fend off, and then get two lines ashore to some very helpful, interested observers, who secured then round two bollards. Some semblance of control achieved.

On going to pass the stern line ashore, realised by the absence of the starboard stern rope that it was over the side and round the prop. Cause of problem now discovered. So over the side again and 10ish minutes later prop free. See pic 2 courtesy of Chris-B-pix of the operation.

Engine restarted, and off back to the buoy again to await the next bridge opening. At this point it dawned that what appeared to be a minor bash and cut on the right hand was a significant injury, (caused by being crushed between the rudder and the stern), and which was leaking more blood than had seen outside a movie. Staunched it by paper towel. Struggled into dry clothes, then the bridge opened and straight to a sheltered mooring spot.

As soon as the boat was secured was whisked off to hospital by Chris in his car and two hours, 10ish stitches and one x-ray later (the middle finger was broken at the tip, see pic 3 for the injury, pic 4 for the x-ray) was back and off out to one of the best fish meals ever (pic 5). Although wasn’t in quite the ideal state to appreciate it.

Perhaps the boating days are drawing to a close...

Friday June 16, 2011

2011-06-20T16:12:00.000+01:00

A successful day, except for the weather, which has been windy, cold and with heavy showers. Pic 1 is Chris in elegant hat, looking remarkably cheerfull considering cold, wet rain was lashing in. Keen eyed observers will have noted the depth gauge is showing 6.6m. It was one of the few moments the thing worked properly. Further comment on the Advance Sea Navman-replacement would probably be inadvisable on the open web.

Got to Watten with no problem. A fair bit further than yesterday’s run, but straight forward. All locks working and no inattention incidents – Chris keeps alert.

Watten pontoon nice and vacant so our departure back to Bergues by bike was not delayed. What a contrast to the day before. Wind mainly behind, so for a journey 50% longer, it took about 15% less. Enjoyable. Bike fitness improving rapidly.

Before zooming off in the car elsewhere decided to check out the one restaurant in Watten decided it was worth a punt. Superb! Pic 2 is the pudding.

Wednesday June 15 and Thursday June16.

2011-06-16T22:27:00.001+01:00

It was my Mum’s 95^th birthday on the 15^th. Well done Mum! (see top pic).

Chris arrived at Bourbourg on schedule in the evening. Had previously researched eateries in the town and was unimpressed so we drove to Gravelines, which looked very pleasant indeed and had a meal at the only open restaurant there. What is happening to France and its ability to feed people? It does not compare well with the UK now. Pic 2 is Chris enjoying the meal at Le Turbot. The meal was very good.

A quick shop at Intermarche (pic 3 for a view of Bourbourg on the way ) for lunch stuff , first thing on Thursday then off to the lock which had been booked on Tuesday for 11.00hrs. Impressively the lock keeper turned up on time.

Easy run to Bergues (pronounced Berg, not Berjerse as have been doing for 50 years), although stopped a couple of times to hide from violent downpours.

Moored at Bergues then shot off on the bikes to collect the car from Bourbourg. Following this?

Wind. Lots of it. On the nose. Serious hard work. Then Chris’ bike developed a fault. Unrepairable without boat tools, so he went on, using the other bike. Dutifully followed on foot and was picked up 4km out side Bourbourg, tired. Faulty bike repaired in 2 mins with the right tools.

Meal this evening in a slightly bizarre Flemish restaurant (serving wenches etc). Food fine. Pic 4 is Chris in Bergues on the way to his evening and pic 5 is the blogger in the restaurant having chosen his meal this evening.

Tomorrow to Watten. Will do the car bike thing again, hopefully with less wind.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

2011-06-14T18:17:00.001+01:00

It has not been possible to reach Gravelines because a swing railway bridge is bust so the canal is impassible. Therefore have arrived instead at Bourbourg, (see pic 3) a few kilometers south of Gravelines. Will meet Chris here tomorrow evening.

The journey here was more eventful than expected. Four lift bridges and a lock that isn’t necessary as there’s no rise and fall. (see pic 2). All done by a friendly VNF (French equivalent of British Waterways Board) man. Lots of waiting, but all nice and relaxed with the first decent weather since the first few days in Dunkerque.

Pic 1 is a classic canal view. Tree lined, red tiled buildings, fluffy clouds. Will look at Bourbourg tomorrow and clean up for visitors.

Monday June 13, 2011

2011-06-13T20:00:00.000+01:00

Now back at Watten. Will go to Gravelines tomorrow, but unlikely to get into the main basin as that appears to require 24hrs notice. Will sort that when there.

Had a look round Bethune before leaving this morning. Not quite as remembered from last year and the bike came in handy, as it’s quite a hike. The inevitable market was en train, see pic 1. Huge, it trailed all round the town. Probably the same stalls at each one… pleasant nevertheless.

The start of today’s boat travels was marred by a very rare prop fouling incident. Virtually stopped the engine. Had to get in the cosy and espridrils (foot protection on the ladder rungs) and descend chest deep to clear. Pic 2 shows the debris. Getting too old for this…

Pix 3 & 4 show the rather uninspiring overnight mooring location and the non descript Bethune canal arm junction. Is this blog getting a bit down beat? Anyway two major locks and a few hours later and Patsy Rye is safely tucked for the night.

Claire thanks for the comment. Happy birthday to you and Brian. A lack of number info was noted. Its Mum’s 95^th this Wednesday. How’s Viv getting on?

Chris, unless some major setback happens Gravelines looks on for Wednesday. Will confirm details, as you ask, by text tomorrow and/or Wednesday.

Sunday June 12, 2011

2011-06-12T21:28:00.003+01:00

Woke up and no rain, plus had no idea of today’s destination. Perhaps am finally relaxing. Biked into Aire. Very pleasant town. See eg pic 1. Warm morning sunshine. Had coffee, then very small biere at the foreground café in pic 2.

While reading book and sunning a load of classic and sports cars rolled into the town centre. Stayed there for about 30mins then rolled out again. Pic 3 nearly didn’t get posted. The bloke in the left was invisible when snapping and the mac iphoto software wasn’t good enough in unskilled hands to eliminate him. Steve could you have grubbed him out?

Pic 4 is last night’s mooring. Looks bleak, was actually fine. This afternoon moved onto Bethune. Sounds bleak, but last year’s visit proved otherwise. Will go in to shop tomorrow. Then plan to move back up north.

Chris, have given your visit much thought in light
of biking/driving/boating combination and have concluded the canal layout around Gravelines, Dunkerque, Watten and Bergues will gives us the most options. And as this trip’s target is not far reaching exploration, but just language skills enhancement, can’t see any point in disappearing further over the southern horizon.

And Christine, I biked to the Moret’s house. Everything very different. Will speak directly.

Saturday, June11, 2011

2011-06-11T19:37:00.000+01:00

Now reached Aire. Have stopped near here once before, but when on dash-back to Calais. Always wanted to see this town which looks inviting from the canal. Will explore tomorrow.

Am making breakthroughs this year. Aire today St Omer yesterday. Only previous visit to St Omer was to do a stock check when Avantages (French version of Essentials magazine) had just been launched by Groupe Marie Claire. Probably early ‘90s.

First pic is of a crowd of likely lads enjoying themselves in a bar in the St Omer Square. The dressed up one with a hula hoop is getting married soon… St Omer proved to be a pretty old town, but well away from the canal. Without a bike it would be impractical to reach.

Pic 2 is a very impressive doorway of the town’s main church. Enormous. Called in at a Carrefour on the bike ride back. Provisioned up and bought another French reading book. Pic 3 shows the current reading, Harry Potter 1, en Francaise.

Before leaving this afternoon replaced the Dunkerque sourced drinking water, which tasted of mild mud. Much relief.

Pix 4 & 5 show the two most recent ways of scaling, by water, the 13m rise just outside St Omer. The vertical lift, pic 4, stopped working sometime after 1959, and pic 5 is the current lock. Pic 6 proves the lift was working in ’59 as it of the Davidsons going down it in Topaz.

Couldn’t resist pic 7 which shows one of this canal’s kilometer markers. They finish in Dunkerque at around 140 and start near Valencienne. They’ve been here since the 50’s at least. Sort of iconic.

Thursday June 9, and Friday June 10, 2011

2011-06-10T12:24:00.002+01:00

Escaped from Bergues/Dunkerque. Finally got through the Dunkerque lock, Jeu de Mail, (see top pic), and with the strike over everything was working normally. Even had some Dutch companions. See pic 2.

Encountered the normal early canal alarums. Ran aground twice. First time was pure inattention, but got free ok as the canal bottom was rocky and the boat slipped off with a hefty shove from the boat hook. 2nd time was soft mud, in mid canal, and ironically not far away from a major Skybird grounding incident which Ros and Eleanor will remember. Harry probably wont ‘cos he was about 2. Soft mud means no chance of unsticking without help, which luckily turned up straight away in the form of a French motorboat.

Stopped at Watten for the night.

Dodgy weather today. Rained on and off all day so far. Nipped into the town and found a busy market, pic 3. Bought bread and croissants. Then traced the track of the old canal further than last year’s on foot effort. Pic 4 show a fascinating remains of a lock, buried in a linear park.

If the weather dries up will go to St.Omer this afternoon/evening. Otherwise will hang around here.

Having read yesterday's comments one understands now that the greve (imagine the accent) was widespread. Thanks for the info Chris. Faith in your essaying skills was never shaken. The darling daughter has already been wised-up by phone.

Made it to Port d'Arques, a little outside St Omer. Will go and explore tomorrow. The weather eventually cleared up. Have had more rain since being on the boat than experienced in 6 months at home. 5th pic is the current mooring. The reality is better than the appearance.

2011-06-08T20:03:00.000+01:00

A recovery day. Very little biking and no rain. Also intense excitement (everything is relative) as one of the two large barges moored on the town pontoon moved off (top pic as it just finished a neat 3 point turn to head towards Dunkerque). Had a shouted conversation, en francaise, about the greve, but he was willing to go to Dunkerque to await an open lock.

Another highlight was the arrival of another British boat, see 2^nd pic. Thought they may have greve-broken, but no, they were out of Dunkerque port and knew nothing of the problem.

Will try to advance again this French trip tomorrow. If the greve is still in place, will just have a nice 2-hour canal cruise…

Have just read your comment Chris (to avoid confusion my sister is Christine). Please do not get too bike fit as Davidson pain could be intense. Also canal travelling is good for the reading so do not worry about needing time to study. The only enquiete is the greve. J’espere que je ne suis pas ici encore!

Sorry for the French, its catching.

2011-06-07T16:44:00.000+01:00

Action day. Biked to Verne in Belgium. 2 and a bit hours there, with diversions through the local villages and just under 2 hours back. The return was hard work but good exercise. The old knees ached for about 95% of the time. Hopefully pain wont be such a feature as the fitness levels rise. The top pic shows the type of countryside. Dead flat. Good biking country.

Its amazing how everything changes as soon as the frontier is crossed. Roads, house styles, gardens and especially the switch to Flemish. Had to ask the restaurant waitress to translate the menu, 75% of the items were totally incomprehensible.

Verne, (Furnes en francaise), is very pretty. Pix 2 & 3 show parts seen from the square. It started to rain on arrival but had stopped on emerging from lunch. The drizzle returned on the way back. And has now developed into steady rain.

Two quick modifications to the bike as a result of today’s experience. The D-lock is now carried in the basket as it caught the right ankle while peddling, and the basket fixings needed re-enforcing. Otherwise all seems ok, its not Rolls Royce build quality, suspect it wont last very many years.

Monday, June 6, 2011

2011-06-06T21:08:00.003+01:00

A surprising day. The last blog was written this morning, knowing how wet the day had started - in fact continued for most of the day.

The weather permitted a departure around 1330, lunch was taken on the move, and the return journey to Dunkerque was uneventful, but damp.

However la politique francaise intervened. Une greve. (students of French will have to forgive the absence of accents) was happening. (Non students of French will have to use Google translate). 3 days. Today the first. An earlier version of NJD would have jumped up and down and invoked the spirit of Maggie Thatcher, but this Francophile version just shrugged and thanked the nice lady who had also shrugged and looked up the English word for greve in her pocket dictionaire.

The only recourse was to return to Bergues, having checked the lock controlling the canal to Belgium was also greve ridden.

Whilst preparing this post, which is done off-line in Word and in Mac preview (courtesy of Steve Poole’s schooling), this delaying episode has prompted an extension of the pictorial nostalgia started earlier.There is something about the, fairly short, section of canals in Dunkerque that sets off one of those comfort triggers in the brain. Must be linked to enjoyable holidays in the extreme youth. So the accompanying pix are a set of nostalgic comparisons.

The 1^st pair are re-run of the Bergues approach comparing Dad’s v today’s, with cropping and straightening courtesy of Mac software.

The 2^nd pair are the back canals of Dunkerque, not similar, but the same place, the ancient one showing George, Dora & Elizabeth Liddle’s boat Arabella. 50ish years ago, maybe a tad less.

The 3^rd set is the Dunkerque lock that prevented today’s advancement. Seen today and 50ish years ago. The dashing blond is sister Christine and the spotty youth…

More tomorrow..

Sunday, June 5, 2011

2011-06-06T12:07:00.000+01:00

Rained today. So largely a lazy one. When the rain had finished, went exploring on the bike. The bike works fine. Rain has played havoc with the chain, but a liberal coating of WD40 seems to have sorted it. Other minor glitches but nothing insurmountable.

The boat has sprung its first above waterline leak – albeit very minor. Forward porthole is letting in water. Can’t be fixed until it’s dried out so the current damp conditions are a hold up. Ros, in a small way it’s reminiscent of Fortuna 11.

Pic 1 shows an impressive old gateway into Bergues. Note the bike, looking smart and new. Pic 2 is the town square with usual French summer fair. All very jolly. Pic 3 is part of the old, unused canal system which used to carry on to Verne in Begium, but had closed even on the first visit 50 years ago. The pic in fact shows a section of a large lock which has 3 ways in. One, in view, to the town, one to Dunkerque and one to Verne.

Pic 4 shows the mooring from the opposite bank. Went exploring the extensive fortifications over there and discovered a serious lack of bike fitness – 200m produces major leg ache. Going to have to improve before Chris Boyd arrives.

Plan to leave sometime tomorrow pm, weather permitting.

Whilst posting this text have just seen the comments. Nice to hear from you, yesterday Claire. And you Chris - and good luck with that essay. Research is done, Christine, via a detailed canal map which shows what is open and what isn't. Its the mooring that can be tricky and that involves just nudging your way in. And Harry your bike question has been answered by today's posting, and thanks for the layout compliment. The technolgy this year is much better - both Mac and blogger and the pictures can be positioned in a limited way.

Saturday, June 4

2011-06-05T10:36:00.000+01:00

Have managed to get into the canals. Much less straight forward than expected. To start with the first inwards sea lock for yachts is 1530hrs, so an 1130 first attempt had to be abandoned. Pic 1 shows sharing the lock with a dredger. Looks intimidating but once past the propeller churn astern, all went smoothly.

Had a confusing conversation with Dunkerque port about instructions for the canal lock. Eventually understood the way in was via “danse 1”, (the name of a dock) which had the lock at its far end. See pick 2 for the dock with ferry - the lock isn’t visible. This lock was remote controlled with instructions barked though an ancient speaker system that turned all words into Russian. Have learned to wait patiently in such circumstances and eventually action ensued.

The canal lock was a descent, which was a surprise, see pic 3, showing the exit and a 2-3m drop. So the sea level at high tide is that much higher than a large section of these canals. Must have been like it forever so one needs to dismiss mental images of 3m high tsunamis.

Yesterday’s target was Bergues, an old town that 50ish years ago had been passed by, but never stopped at, when on holiday with parents and sister. Have dug out an old Dad-pic from the computer archives that shows then and compares now. Very little difference. Charming place.

The plan is to explore on Sunday and maybe move on Monday.

Wednesday-Friday June 1-3

2011-06-03T19:52:00.002+01:00

Things have gone almost according to plan. Was launched on Wednesday and went round to Ramsgate. Easy trip, little wind. Top pic is husband and wife, taken by son as Patsy Rye awaits high tide.

Very tricky forecast for Thursday: later, NE 5 or 6, occasionally 7. Light winds to start with. Prospect: days of strong NEers. Likelihood - days in Ramsgate…

Decided not to risk it. So Thursday morning leisurely up, and a wander into the harbour office, where to weather was obviously NOT 5, 6 or 7. Paid dues, shot off. 2^nd pic is flat calm exit to Ramsgate on Thursday. Too late to go Calais and Gravelines, so went to Dunkerque. 7 hours. 5 with no, or little wind. 2 with quite a lot. 3^rd pic windy entrance to Dunkerque ancien port.

Today, Friday, wind howling. But got the internet everywhere working with help from slightly reluctant Orange staff in Dunkerque branch. It is the most obscure system to buy additional credit. Even the locals have trouble.

Have put the mast down, topped up with fuel and water and sorted where the bike will be stowed – bottom pic shows this, just in front of the mast. Have made a smart canvas cover, but will only use that when rain is threatened as forward visibility is better without it. Haven’t used the bike yet. That’s tomorrow’s treat. Shopping and scouting out the lock system into the canals.

OK now to get the 1^st mac-French post published.

2011, new year, new computer & hopefully a new trip.

2011-05-25T20:44:00.007+01:00

Never finished last year's blog as travel weariness set in and the whole writing thing became a hassle. Did too much travelling not enough stopping to see the country. 2011 will be different. Today is May 25. The plan is to cross to Gravelines (halfway between Calais and Dunkirk) and enter the canals there. This year will see a big push to improve the language skills. So look out there's going to be a bad French speaker about!

Have finally walked away from pcs and this is the first mac-blog. Invested in a ridiculously expensive macbook air, 11", 128gig. So far so good. Very very quick. Have got the HTC windows smart phone to talk to it. The printer works as does the scanner. All three needed software downloads, some free some not. All the pix are on board but have been defeated by the music so far.

Have done a fair amount of comfort upgrading on Patsy Rye. The bunks are extended, widthwise to stop arm slop. The cushion fiddles have been removed to end nighttime bruising. A proper seat system has been devised for the transom, and is transferable to the main deck. Another boat umbrella has been purchased for any crew or a second steering spot. The cockpit tent cover has been adapted to use as a sun awning when moored. Two fold-up bikes have been purchased to extend the range of exploration.

The boat has been in Swale Marina again for the winter. Learning from last year, this time much nearer a power point. The aim is to once more not enter the mud, but go straight off from launch to France .Wednesday June 1 is the first window.

Have sorted out the pix uploading problems. Now trying a movie. Which now works, thanks to much help from the son, Harry. The canal shown was about 3" thick in chick-weed - around 30kilometres of it.
Never seen anything so bad before. Interesting to see this year what's happened to it

Monday August 23

2010-08-25T14:17:00.002+01:00

Trip home went smoothly. Pic of Harry on one of the rather smart French double decker trains. Travelled on top deck in train 1 then downstairs in trains 2.

Weather a bit damp early on but things improved during the morning. Met by Rosalind and daughter El at Dover around 1330.

Wont be back for the leg from St Quentin to Calais until El has been moved out of her current flat on September 7. Will probably bring Patsy Rye back to the UK and have a very low activity year in 2011.

Sunday August 22 St Quentin Canal – St Quentin

2010-08-25T14:13:00.002+01:00

Arrived at the marina in St Quentin this afternoon. No problems with leaving Patsy Rye here. For here see top pic. It’s not beautiful, nor very near the town centre, but it’s secure and has most facilities.

Sorted the train logistics by internet and walked to the station to get the tickets. 0650hrs train to Lille, then 1100ish one to Calais.

Went out for a meal in the evening. First pic of the blogger this trip.

Saturday August 21 Maizy – St Quentin Canal

2010-08-25T14:10:00.002+01:00

Couldn’t resist the early morning pic of Harry (with blue circle mug) nor Harry and the laptop, connecting to the world, via the slightly flackey Orange internet everywhere clé.

Just more pretty countryside and locks, plus one more longish tunnel. Getting quite close to St. Quentin so should reach there tomorrow. That’s the goal so home is reached by train and ferry by the latest Wednesday in order to return to the Amiens district next Friday for nephew Nick’s wedding, to Fran, today week.

Overnite at the southern start of the St Quentin canal..

Friday August 20 Beaumont – Maizy

2010-08-25T13:45:00.002+01:00

Two elegant swans called for breakfast – top pic. Harry’s attempts at forging a strong relationship were met by impressive hisses – rejection or acceptance is still under debate.

Stopped in Sillery, just short of Rheims, at a halte nautique, as there was a supermarché nearby for stores and more importantly fuel. It’s the first available fuel source since the Saone river at the junction with the canal de Bourgogne.

Weather now consistently hot so more swim/bath stops. The heat made a trip into Rheims not appropriate therefore the last opportunity for on-site champagne was passed.

Bottom pic is a typical lock – quite a few of them but not that closely spaced and distance progress to the goal of St Quentin is excellent.

Overnite moorings at Maizy, ks from anywhere on the Canal Lateral a l’Aisne.

Thursday August 19 Pogny – Beaumont

2010-08-25T12:25:00.004+01:00

Today was champagne country (2nd pic for a champagne hill) – unfortunately no champagne. The recommended place at Condé-sur-Marne (top pic) was closed, probablement for lunch and a trip into Chalons-en-Champagne was not regarded as attractive.

The day was enlivened by a 3k long tunnel and a swim/bath stop (weather now hot) - pics 3&4. All was appropriately topped off at Beaumont, the overnite halt, by the restaurant being closed.

Wednesday August 18 St Dizier – Pogny

2010-08-25T12:23:00.002+01:00

Had a meal in St Dizier last night. Pizza. Made the error of using the oil. Ignorant of chilli content. Serious sweats. Needed the night air to cool down – hence the post dinner pic (top).

The run through the badlands was absolutely trouble free. Rumours and fear…

Got stuck behind a loaded peniche, see bottom pic . Narrow canal and small locks equals very slow progress. Dutch. Had a chat at one lock and they let us pass in the next pound. Very helpful.

Ended up near Poigny, a few ks short of Chalon-en-Champagne.

Tuesday August 17

2010-08-17T16:38:00.002+01:00

Actually stopped raining. Got last minute provisions and set off about 0830. Fell into company with the boat shown in the top pic. An old Scottish fishing boat. But had to curtail today’s cruising because of dire warnings about the badlands between St Dizier, where the boat is now, and Vitry France the next town past here. Warned not to stop and certainly not risk staying the night. So here we are in a slightly unprepossessing neighbourhood awaiting the opportunity for a good run at the bad lands tomorrow.

Had to show Harry relaxing on the foredeck.

Sunday & Monday August 15 & 16

2010-08-17T16:36:00.001+01:00

Rained solidly for 48 hours. All Saturday night, Sunday, Sunday night, Monday and lots of Monday night. Harry duly arrived around 1600hrs Monday. Raining. Went out for a meal – see the rather dodgy picture of his slightly bizarre kebab. No pix of Joinville – rained off.

Saturday August 14

2010-08-17T16:34:00.001+01:00

Short day today just getting to Joinville. Arrived about 1500hrs. See pic of boat at the town.

Friday August 13

2010-08-17T16:31:00.004+01:00

Am writing this on Monday August 16. Discovered had got the log dates wrong so didn’t realise this was Friday 13^th. How fortunate.

Just going along the canal today. Lock 21 to 31. Included the tunnel and bridge combo pictured, and some interesting scapes, see 2^nd pic. Ended in Froncles. Had a shower and walked into the town and found a very elegant restaurant – Chateau Restaurant. See bottom pic.

Organised Harry to meet me Monday at Joinville – the next town. So will go there tomorrow and then have 2 days rest.

Thursday August 12

2010-08-17T16:26:00.006+01:00

Walked into Langres early to avoid the heat. Seriously uphill. Worth it. Amazing hill-top walled town. Walked right round the walls. Enlivened by realising had left the bins on a seat after resting having reached the summit. Amazingly they were still there on returning in a fluster. Have to say the walls were the towns best feature, although the interior was fine. Pix 1-3 Show the town at its best.

Rest of the day was travelling along the canal as usual. Was made welcome by a French boat that evening. See bottom pic. Afraid to say their names have slipped from the memory.

Wednesday August 11

2010-08-11T20:25:00.003+01:00

Bit of a slog day. Good weather, but all up hill and loads of locks. The system is not designed for small wooden boats. The radar detectors can't see Patsy Rye so a makeshift reflector had to be assembled see top pic - the oven tray taped and wired to the grillpan.

It’s a pretty canal, see 2^nd pic, but no towns or villages, so no shops. Stocks are getting lowish.

Had to motor through a serious tunnel, see bottom two pix. Over 3 ks long, took ages. Stopped overnite near an ancient hilltop town, Langres, technically a city as its got a cathedral. Looks spectacular from afar, so will investigate tomorrow.

Nice to speak to Rosalind and Harry

Tuesday August 10

2010-08-11T20:24:00.001+01:00

Very frustrating day. This is a pleasant canal with very little traffic. The locks have been recently upgraded so most of the kit is fairly new. BUT aujourdui je n’est pas de la chance! Everything went wrong. The remote sensors wouldn’t pick up Patsy Rye, two locks broke down, got the remote control operation wrong and had to call in help. All in all spoke to the help line about 10 times. They know the boat well now.

The pix show a typical lock and the lift bridge that amazingly lifted on request despite having the Same remote sensor that ignored Patsy Rye on a lot of the locks.

Have stopped just before another remote sensor that probably wont see the boat tomorrow morning.

Had some pasta to improve morale.

pix will follow

Monday August 9

2010-08-11T20:21:00.005+01:00

Another lovely day on the Saone. Really nice see top pic.Stopped at St Jean-de-Logne for food and fuel. Actually a fuel bowser pour les plaisentiers. Forgot to take pix.

Making good kilometres because of the few locks on the river. The locks were enormous at first but then scaled down to standard peniche size – 2^nd pic the queue created by that size reduction. Reached the turnoff onto the Canal Champagne a Bourgogne about 5.00pm. Stopped in the middle of no-where for the night.

pix will follow

Sunday August 8

2010-08-11T20:19:00.001+01:00

Shower first thing. Good news. Boulangerie on site, more good news. Set off ASAP after ablutions and reached the deep lock, see top pic, within 30mins. A scaled down version of the one at St Omer. Soon onto the Saone. A lovely river. Big, beautiful and placid. See 2^nd pic. Anyone who knows the upper Thames think 3x as wide but the same feel. Surperb. Loved it.

Anchored overnite.

pix will follow

Saturday August 7

2010-08-07T21:34:00.006+01:00

Wow the nights are chilly. Had to resurrect the duvet. Better than totally sweaty. Another slightly sloggy day. Lots of locks, but down, so less hassle. Impressive countryside.

Pic 1tries to show the grandeur. Some very impressive views. Probably rivalling the best. Started to get a few more boats around. Pic two shows a companion boat, a large French family on holiday for 10 days, and the last pic is a slightly extravagant meal from a restaurant conveniently placed by the overnight stop.

Tomorrow will see the end of this Canal du Centre and a switch to rivers for a while. This one being the Soane.

Serious uploading speed here. Seemingly in the middle of no-where - no rhyme or reason

Friday August 6

2010-08-06T19:59:00.003+01:00

A very pleasant day. Not too hot, no rain and very nice countryside.

But loads of locks. 23 today. Half up, but the rest down, a change cos haven’t been going down in a lock since the Oise – which joined the Seine before Paris. Much easier going down, hop off, hook the rope round a bollard, yank the automatic switch and hop back on. Also very few boats. Only passed about 4 all day. No commercial stuff.

Pix: Had to show the power station – something about them attracts. Also the pic of the supermarché. The main part was fresh food. Good stuff, and the other major part a boulangerie. Very convenient, right by the canal. The two canal scapes are attempts to show the pretty countryside before the summit and then the vista at the summit. Blow them to full size by clicking on them and its works.

Overniting in the middle of no-where, although this canal has a companion road and railway which is a tad noisy. Nearest village/town is St Berain-sur-Dheune.

Thursday August 5

2010-08-06T19:58:00.002+01:00

Really pleasant temperature. Weather after the morning rain was just right. Sunny periods, breezy.

Good progress. All the locks are now automatic, so have to make sure the detectors detect. Some hitches. Major running aground incident. Going along normally, then aground. No closer to the bank than often. Another swim to the shore job. This time boat came off the mud as good as gold.

Overnited at Ciry-le-Noble. Next town iss Montceau-les-Mines, a few ks along the canal.

Pix: 2 views of Digoin marina. A modest little affair but convenient. An interesting canal embankment and the overnite stop.

pix later the connection hasn't enough Gs - tomorrows too

Wednesday August 4

2010-08-04T19:48:00.004+01:00

Well with a passport the journey is seriously easier and cheaper. Thanks to Rosalind for the very early morning lift to Ashford. Then smooth to Gare du Nord. No pressure – time or worries – so a nice stroll to Gare du Lyon (c40mins). Ticket from the machine – experienced 2^nd time user. Clocked up £86 for 60+ Ashford-Paris. 62e for Paris-Digoin. Compare 62e Digoin Paris, 25e taxi in Paris c65e Paris-Calais, 30e Calais taxi, £49 foot passenger Calais-Dover, petrol Selling-Dover-Selling.

Paris walk was good. Top pic was so typical, a tad Renoiresque – the blond is not prominent enough though. Nice salad at the brasserie where pic 2 was taken opposite the interesting Gare du Lyon façade.

Had to show the over ripe nectarine. Realised this had been left in the turned-off fridge about 30mins into the journey home. Not quite as bad as the imagination had it.

The weather here is as it was left. Thundery, very wet and quite warm. Plan to leave by lunchtime tomorrow. The boat is fine.

Bruce - I'm thinking about your comments

the return

2010-08-03T18:19:00.004+01:00

Back to Digoin tomorrow - the passport arrived today. Thanks to Gilles Birtin, lock keeper for No.2 lock Thaleine, Canal Lateral a la Loire, for finding it and sending it back. Merci beaucoup. Should get to Digoin late afternoon.

Had a great time whilst at home. Family, friends. Good to see everyone. Rosalind's birthday today. Top picbirthday celebrations with Rosalind and Harry in the Granville Canterbury. Doing this blog in the kitchen - bottom pic.

All being well will re-establish contact tomorrow pm.

The interruption

2010-07-27T18:27:00.008+01:00

Sorry about the lack of blog but the passport got lost and a quick return to the UK was necessary - so am currently at home.

No room to bring the log so the posted pix are slightly guessed at.

All got very complicated. How to get home with no passport? Answer: easy. Walk up to immigration explain the situation, offer the driving licence as ID and there you go. Report the loss ASAP when in UK. Got this advice from the very helpful consulate based in Calais. Main consulates were USELESS. All autosystems. Passport queries have been outsourced and that organisation wont talk until they have your credit card details. Causes a problem when they can't pick up those details from your mobile. Couldn't do it manually so no help was forthcoming. What a total waste of space. Until real people in Calais were discovered felt seriously let down.

Rant over.

Took 12 hours to return home. Fast compared to getting there but it seemed like ages. The boat is in Digoin, not far off the southern most canal without going down the Rhone. Local train west to Moulin, the express north to Paris, Gare du Lyon. Taxi to Gare du Nord. TGV to Lille. Walk from one Lille station to the other. TGV to Calais tunnel station. Taxi to car ferry. Awaiting the car ferry, though UK immigration, ticket purchased, call from Ros - the passport has been found.

Easier to come home, have a break. Once home contacted the lock keeper who found it and explained would send an addressed envelope, with cash and would he please return it? Oui certainment. So am currently awaiting its return. Friday 30th probably the first possible day.

The pix are: top Sancerre village on top of the hill. It was just too hot to make the pilgrimage. 2nd: a typical lunch stop - just near a lock. Can't remember precisely where. Locks close for lunch 12-1300hrs. 3rd: nitetime stop make notable by a local warning of the marauding mosquitoes. 4th: a view from the Canal lateral a la Loire showing how near at that point is the Loire itself. 6th: Having a meal in a restaurant in Digoin, about 2 hours before realising the passport was missing. The last: a rather weird shot of the Gare du Flandres in Lille, which rather summed up the whole episode.

Will resume the blog when j'ai retourné.

Friday July 16

2010-07-16T22:19:00.008+01:00

Earlier this evening got a severe ticking off from the chief sub at home for sloppy blog construction. So before today’s effort is posted will have gone thru all of the previous posts to effect upgrades.

First pic is yesterday evening’s dinner companions. Total chance meeting. Was recognised by them as they’d passed the boat a couple of times either by car or bike. Carolyn, 2^nd from left, and Sue are sisters. Bernie (2^nd from right) and Carolyn are ex pats and live in Happonvilliers whilst Ray and Sue met at, and worked for; ipcmagazines – or its predecessors. Coincidence or what? Loads more of that ilk but probably need to be circumspect.

Pic 2 demonstrates an interesting aspect of the canal at Briare. The town is skirted at significantly high level, literally rooftop, and then goes across the Loire in a serious aquaduct. Pix 3 & 4. The Loire has never been tamed and when you are there it shows. Very big, shallows everywhere. And fast.

Pic 5 was an irresistible shot of one of France’s many nuclear power stations which loomed over the countryside.

This evening have reached Sancerre. A place of pilgrimage as it’s the most favourite white wine. More of that tomorrow.

Doing the quality improvement bit, spotted the comment from Saghi - thanks, and from Steve and Anne, also thanks.

Thursday July 15

2010-07-15T18:11:00.007+01:00

Picked up a new cruising companion. See pic 1. Also pic1 and 2 shows the old lock flight of 7, hence the town’s name, that is now bye-passed by 6 bigger, standard peniche size, locks.

After all that was the top pound which transfers the canal from the Seine valley to the Loire valley. Took the opportunity to do some washing – pic 3 The first down lock was, on approach, closed for lunch. No problem nice picnic table handy – see pic 4. But also notice on the table is the Sony Reader. And the boat just in the pic is the new cruising companion who chose to stay when Patsy Rye moved off at 1300hrs. The down locks were made interesting trying to avoid the leaks, pic 5

Arrived later at Briare and took a 2.5k detour to get into the town centre and the port de plaisance. Took a walk to see the Loire, see pic 6, huge but unnavigable as the canals run along side.

Good marina with excellent wifi – hence the uptodate and updated posts. Good to speak to you Chris and Barry also you Chris – have a good holiday.

Just as the blog was being updated had a visit from the family on this morning’s cruising companion. They’d brought with them the Sony Reader which had been left on the picnic table. Astonishing. The younger of the two boys had found it and by co-incidence they had their car near by and came to find Patsy Rye. Hadn’t even realised it was missing. Wow.

Gave the young lad a reward. Time to reflect on luck.

Wednesday July 14

2010-07-15T18:10:00.003+01:00

Didn’t do much at all except walk into Rogny les Sept Ecluses and had lunch. Forgot to take any pix. Thunderstorm and pouring rain on the way back.Was the first proper walk since Calais. Even then only about 35mins each way. Good local type lunch. Had a siesta and regretted it as couldn't get to sleep in the night until about 0200hrs. Wont do that again.

Monday July 12

2010-07-14T14:46:00.003+01:00

Just cruising today. Stopped in Catillon-Coligny at lunch time to try for supplies but everything was closed from 12.15 – 1500hrs. Unbelievable. Pretty town though. But was so astonished at it being dead to the world forgot to take pictures.

The locks have become very deep as the canal approaches the summit pound. Pic shows a typical one. About 4m deep.

Found a nice secluded overnite stop to avoid any wild July 14 celebrations, but near enough to Rogny-les-Sept-écluses to walk there tomorrow lunch time.