This blog post recounts a team's journey through the French canals, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and the emotional farewell to a key crew member, Henry. As they navigate the waterways towards the Mediterranean, they reflect on their achievements and the bonds formed during their adventure.
This week on Outside Your Zone, we embark on a significant leg of our journey as we descend from the highest point in the French inland waterways. Our goal is to complete our journey along the canals and enter the River Saône, with only days separating us from the Mediterranean. However, amidst the excitement, we face a huge blow as we say goodbye to one of our key crew members, Henry.
It was a lovely morning in Mont Shannon as we prepared to set off. The team was eager to begin our downhill journey, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation. Our first task was to navigate through ten consecutive locks, marking the start of our descent. The experience was exhilarating, and as we moved downwards, we felt a sense of accomplishment with each lock we passed.
Mont Shannon, known for its terracotta tile production in the 19th century, provided a stunning backdrop as we made our way down the valley. The views were breathtaking, and we felt closer than ever to the Mediterranean. With Henry's expertise and our practice from previous canals, we had developed a level of proficiency that made us proud as a crew.
After completing our tenth lock, we arrived in Shagy, where we were greeted by beautiful vineyards and charming houses. The local wine was a highlight we looked forward to tasting. As we settled in for the night, we enjoyed the local flavors, including handcrafted wine and flavored cheese cubes, which added to the delightful experience.
However, navigating the locks was not without its challenges. We encountered poorly parked boats and had to adapt quickly to avoid mishaps. Despite a few scrapes, the camaraderie among the crew kept spirits high.
As we continued our journey, we celebrated Rob's birthday, which added a festive touch to our adventure. The crew's dynamic was lively, and we made the most of our time together, even amidst the challenges of navigating the crowded locks. The day was filled with laughter and joy, making it a memorable occasion.
With our sights set on Chalon-sur-Saône, we prepared for the final locks of our canal adventure. The excitement was palpable as we approached the last lock, which was the second largest in France. The scale of the lock was impressive, and we felt a mix of awe and relief as we descended into the River Saône.
As we transitioned from the canals to the river, we reflected on the incredible journey we had undertaken. We were now only 380 kilometers from our destination of Port Saint Louis, our gateway to the Mediterranean. Chalon-sur-Saône, a historical port city, welcomed us with its stunning architecture and vibrant markets.
Just as we were settling into our new surroundings, we faced an unexpected challenge. Henry, our chief engineer and a beloved member of our crew, had to leave due to a family emergency. His departure was sudden and left the team in shock. We had witnessed Henry's growth throughout our journey, and his absence would be deeply felt.
The team took a day to regroup and process the loss. With only four crew members remaining, we faced the daunting task of continuing our journey without him. Despite the emotional weight of his departure, we knew we had to keep moving forward.
As we prepared to navigate the next leg of our journey towards Maon, we reflected on the bonds we had formed and the challenges we had overcome together. Henry's contributions had been invaluable, and while we would miss him dearly, we were determined to honor his spirit by continuing our adventure.
In conclusion, our journey through the French canals has been filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and the forging of deep friendships. As we move towards the Mediterranean, we carry with us the memories of our time together and the lessons learned along the way. The adventure continues, and we are ready to embrace whatever comes next, even as we navigate the changes within our crew.
