Setting off first from Lacroix on Tuesday morning was Avalon – shock horror, the Avalon crew got their act together and left at 9.45 am!!!

Only 2 locks and 10k today so no rush and we left 30 minutes later. At the top of the 2nd lock G spoke to the student lockie and then shouted back to ask if I wanted a 50 cent baguette. I replied, ‘no thanks, I’ve baked one this morning’. It later transpired that it was a giant courgette on offer –really! Why would I have baked a courgette in the morning. We can’t communicate in English so there’s no hope for us in French.

When we reached St Mihiel Avalon was just mooring up and there was no more room at the inn so, rather than breast up (which is a pain with the dogs making each other bark), we went up through the next lock and found a lovely bank and plank mooring where Daisy has been stuffing her face with mice ever since. Not only do we have a nice country view, but we are being right royally entertained by an otter.

A short walk along the river through a park takes us into the old part of town which is charming. Just as well as we don’t want to continue much further South as we have to return to Verdun to collect cards and stuff for our new French account – hopefully Monday or Tuesday. I can keep myself happily entertained here for a few more days, especially as we have the car here for days out.