Mulan to Le port Aux Cerises Draveil 31th July.

Another one of those funny nights, spent the afternoon on a rickety pontoon inside Mulan island. When we returned to the boat there seemed to be a few unsavoury characters about so decided to anchor in the same spot we did when we passed here before. 1am and a knock on the hull, two police divers want to know (what you do here) sleeping (not for boats here you go with other boats there) so move less than 100 meters raft outside a trip boat and go back to bed.

No going to the Med in these Pedalos.

Managed to keep up with these three Barges for three locks today (35 kilometres).

I think you could count the number of yachts we have seen on two hands.

Le port Aux Cerises is part of a leisure park with numerous activities.

St Mammes to Melun 30th July.

Had the company of Gabber several days ago and again today.

                                                       This couple’s statue is on Melun island.

http://classiclit.about.com/cs/articles/a/aa_abelard.htm

St Mammes 29th July.

Went through here last on the 23^rd June, it is a bit more lively this time round. Came back to the boat after lunch, we wondered what these punts were for now we know. Knockout tournament went on till 7 in the evening.

Nemours to Episy 16 27th and Episy 16 to St Mammes 28th July.

Some back gate got its own house.

Last lock on the Canal du Loing.

Back on to the Seine.

Beaumolin 9 to Nemours 26TH July.

Nemours has to one of the most disappointing stops we have made, the facilities for a big town are crap one pontoon no electric or water. We used a small private pontoon that turned out belonged to the driving school, they teach boat handling as well but keep the boat on a moorings to stop would be self-drivers.

There are some friendly water Rats.

And the odd Otter.

Nargis to Beaumolin 9 25th July.

Not much interesting along this stretch.

Villemandeur to Nargis 24th July.

End of the canal de Briare.

First lock at Cepoy on the canal du Loing.

The lockkeepers are still putting on a show.

Canal bank, berth for the night.

Street corner and school parking area in Nargis.

Sablonnere31 to Villemandeur 23rd July.

Flower displays on one of many streams that run through the town.

Not much else to say about Villemandeur apart from its big enough to have shops more than just Baker, Butcher, Tabac and Hairdresser. A nice small Restaurant where we had one of the best meals so far, and on the outskirts you can moor two minutes walk from fuel and food. Oh and they have scrots  that cast every one off in the night.

Lepinoy 25 to Sablonnere 31 22st July.

Johnny’s keeping an eye out.

And his Bateau is at the ready.

First totally automatic lock.

Passing through Montcresson noticed some stalls, so stopped to look it was a Car boot sale all France`s junk must have been there, Every street and open space was packed with stalls.

Seen these a few times look a bit like Catfish? Answers on a postcard please.

Jauaciere 13 to Lepinoy 25 21st July.

Stopped at Rogny for lunch these are the 7 ancient locks, built during the reign of Henry 1V now replaced by 6 non-contiguous locks to allow boats to pass.

These chaps weren’t best pleased at our passing.

Tea time in Chatillon-Coligny.

Night stop at Lepinoy 25, end to a cracking day.

Ouzouer-sur-Trezee to Lock Javaciere 13 20th July.

The highest reach of the Canal de Briare against the bank for the night.

A better end to a day that rained form 8 till 5.

And a nice start to the next day.