France: Uckange, U-4

U-4 in Uckange

The waterways in France were once the arteries of industry. Over time, economies have shifted and the modes of transportation have changed. Left behind in the wake of modernization is the decaying manufacturing infrastructure of bygone eras. Today factories and plants of once powerful industries sit forgotten, corroding and rotting over time. The story of these rusty factories, their rise and their fall, is a mystery to most passers by. What purpose did these industrial buildings serve? Why was there industry at this particular place? And why have these large complexes been abandoned?

France: Hotel Barges

Amaryllis pushes into the lock.

Hotel barges are a comfortable way to experience France. On board one can cruise through the countryside in the lap of luxury. You can even glide through Burgundy’s vineyards while relaxing in a hot tub.

France: Châtillon-sur-Loire

The Briare Aqueduct carries the Canal lateral à la Loire over the Loire River. On the southwestern side of the river, the canal turns to the southeast and about five kilometers later arrives in Châtillon-sur-Loire.

England: London, Battersea Power Station

The Battersea Power Station viewed from the Thames.

An iconic part of the Thames scene is the Battersea Power Station. This Art Deco-style structure dates from the 1930’s. It is the largest brick building in Europe. With its expansive cathedral-style design and 338 ft high smokestacks, Battersea Station commands the view from the Thames.

France: The Fontinettes Ecluse

Leaving Fontinettes Ecluse

Locks on Europe’s commercial waterways are generally large. Indeed, the locks on the Grand Gabarit, northern France’s barge superhighway, are designed to fit barges up to 36 feet wide and 469 feet long. Aside from being wide and long, locks on commercial waterways are often deep. Particularly deep is les Fontinettes, an ecluse on the Grand Gabarit near Saint Omer.

England: London, Little Venice and Paddington Basin

Paddington Basin

In August we were “forced” into an extended stay in London waiting for a weather window to take Wanderlust across the English Channel. Everyone who has made the Channel crossing in his or her barges told us that we would not have to wait forever. The weather, we were reminded, will turn in our favor and crossing the Channel in our home would at some point be possible. It is just a matter of waiting for a good window. Nevertheless, though we trusted what we were told, at the moment taking our barge to France seemed to be a nebulous dream.

England: Churnet Valley Railway

All aboard in Froghall

As near as I can determine, Britain has about 200 functioning heritage steam railway lines.  Through the help of thousands of volunteers relics of Britain’s steam rail past have

Wales: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

A narrow passes high over the Welsh countryside

“A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y and W.”

Canal des Deux Mers: Returning to Agen

Morning in Castets-en-Dorthe

Canal de Garonne

Canal des Deux Mers: Meilhan-sur-Garonne to Castets-en-Dorthe

A long pound approaching Castets-en-Dorthe

Canal de Garonne