We left Moret the next morning and stuck pins in after the first lock of the day where we had good access to fuel, Lidl (hooray – first in a long, long while), and Carrefour. My cup runneth over! Whilst I filled my boots doing a re-stock, G did two fuel runs and we had lunch before leaving – the day got wetter and wetter so 2 locks and 6 kms later we called it a day and banged in pins at Episy. Once again Muttley was on a lead and minding his own business when this cat attacked him – they seem to be making a habit of it; poor love is getting quite traumatised.

3 kms and 1 lock (such monumental cruises) saw us at la Genevraye below the little town of Montigny-sur-Loing. Leaving Baxter on the boat, the rest of us walked up to the town which had most things you need, but a long, footpathless walk up the road to reach it discouraged a return trip.

3 more locks and 8 kms saw us into the major conurbation of Nemours which nestles between the river and the canal. Not the most pretty of moorings, but ideal for Daisy and the dogs and in easy walking distance of the town, we’ve spent the last 6 nights there, only leaving this morning. Our book said the mooring, electricity and water were free – but the first morning there, two policemen came calling to say that they would come back in the afternoon to collect 26 euros off us for two nights – i have absolutely no idea why they didn’t take the money there and then; what a waste of their time.

It was at this point we twigged as to why most boats were moored the other side of the gate with rear ropes attached to the bank escape ladders and front ropes to bushes. We promptly moved Francoise up a few yards and joined them – perfectly willing to pay 13 euros for the one night we used their electric and water, but we never saw them again. Funny old world.