A Picture Post for November

I don't often write much about the nature of my work other than the fact I still teach and coach students to help them with their academic writing. What I haven't mentioned so much is that I do all my work online these days, so it doesn't matter where I am as long as I have a decent internet connection. This month is for some reason, the busiest work month I've had since the spring. Mostly, that would keep me at home, but since we now have internet at the CC Mk2, I have now been able to spend this last week in France and continue with my teaching. I must say it's quite odd talking to students in Rotterdam as if I were just down the road, but since it makes no difference to them, I don't even mention that I'm 600 km away.

Anyway, what it also means is I haven't had time to do anything much else, which is a shame. It's been lovely down here, but apart from taking Zoe for walks, I've had to keep my head down. What has been a great pleasure and surprise, though, is that our canal is back in operation again, so since I have nothing else to report or show, I'm keeping this blog short and will simply show some photos of the boats I've seen when walking along the towpath. Of course I had to watch them going through the locks too, time-consuming though it is to stand and stare, but it's definitely good for the soul

These first three were of a boat I saw on our first morning here when it was very foggy. I didn't have my camera or phone with me so when I got home, Koos rushed off to catch them. We were so excited to see a boat after so many months of an empty canal, and this one was rather special. According to my source of all village news, Collette, they are on their way to Turkey (yes, she knew all about them!). Apparently, it is a Chaland de Loire. There's an article about them here, which Google will translate for you if you ask it nicely.

Isn't it fascinating? The boat is totally wooden and is of the type
built for the Loire

The photos below are of another interesting craft. Evidently a former passenger boat, it seems to have been converted to a private liveaboard. It was moving very slowly because I was able to keep well ahead of it as I walked with Zoe along the canal.

And all is peaceful again. 

Have a good weekend allemaal.  My next post will be about some studying I've been doing that has also kept me busy. Intrigued? Don’t forget to watch this space.😄