Chavanay

Underway in choppy conditions we spotted a laden commercial vessel (“Floan”) heading south and were surprised when they called us on the radio. They could see our Ensign flying merrily and wanted to know who we were. They introduced themselves as the last English couple working a commercial vessel on the French waterways and we soon realised that we had barging friends in common. Floan promised to call in on us at our winter mooring for a beer and a chat. In the meantime they were racing south to Viviers with a consignment of cement and were hoping to pick up another job to bring them back north again.

We had just finished waving farewell to them when we received a host of welcoming waves from the commercial vessels moored on the port above Sablons lock. Lobelia is getting known on the Rhone and is greeted by everyone with a wave and a smile. Even the massive cruise ships flash a friendly light as they pass us in the dark.

Moored at Chavanay where we had moored on our way south. Another peaceful mooring with views up into the vineyards which seem to hang for dear life onto the steep slopes. Today there were people clinging to the cliffside vines too, intent on harvesting the grapes.

The boys were eager to see if the Ragondin were still living happily in the stream nearby and raced down to take a look. They were rewarded with the sight of a dozen assorted size creatures who frolicked in the water amongst the ducks.

Enjoyed a cycle ride along the riverbank to nearby Condrieu and returned via a wine tasting where, getting a little ahead of ourselves, we purchased a rather nice white wine to enjoy on Christmas Eve.