These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Wednesday 20 April 2016

9th - 11th April. On the Canal de Roanne à Digoin.

Apologies to everyone for the delay with our blog since leaving Roanne, but there have been internet problems!
It is good to be on the move again, after five enjoyable months in Roanne.
Our first night was spent in Briennon. We had to moor on the main canal so that the satellite dish could get its signal. Well, we had to watch the Grand National!



In Briennon it was blossom time for Mum and Debbie.



Briennon Church is a typical French church, nestling behind the bushes.



Moving on, we can look right across the valley of The Loire.



The magnolias are in full bloom now, but they do have a short season.


The stitching on the zip of the cratch cover needs attention, yet again, so Mum is a seamstress today.


Our second night was a wild mooring. There was no moon so it was a really dark night here.



On Monday we went down the lock Bourg le Comte, which has a drop of 7.19 metres, and is the deepest on this canal.


This creature was exploring the bank. We thought at first that he was a coypu, but on looking at his tail, he is probably a beaver.


This was the closest that we have been to a stork. Perhaps he was pretending to be a heron!



Off he goes!
Looking back up the Roanne to Digoin canal, from the canal Lateral a la Loire. We have just turned right (to the left of this photo) to moor before the aqueduct.


The reflections are impressive this evening, especially when seen on Debbie's camera!


This is one of our favourite walks, below the aqueduct down by The Loire. We have all caught the sun today!

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