Navigating European Waterways: "Traffic encountered minimal interference, allowing us to travel 25 kilometers and pass through three locks by midday"
European Voyage: Donald and Marjorie Walker Traveling by Boat Across Continent
Donald and Marjorie Walker embarked on an adventure, traversing Europe in their Broom 33 to attend an owners' meeting in Amsterdam. After nine days, they had successfully navigated the Saône and Vosges canal, reaching the French town of Toul, completing stage one of their passage to Naarden in the Netherlands.
Eager to explore the attractions of Toul, the couple took a day off their schedule. The town, with its historical significance as a vital link on France's canal network, caught the cruisers' attention. The old industrial port relics, which could be accessed by now-abandoned canal sections, added to its allure.
One afternoon, they visited the 11th-century cathedral and the bustling market, where they stocked up on wine, cheese, and other delicacies. As they planned their route from Toul, they faced a challenge: insufficient resources for navigating the Moselle and Rhine rivers in France. Although they had relied on waterways guides in the past, they found helpful charts for these rivers to be scarce.
Motivated by friends' recommendations and a desire to discover new territories, Donald meticulously planned their route. Recognizing the importance of secure stopping places each night, he drew up a list of potential overnight stops and points of interest. The recommended routine included sailing from Toul to Pont-à-Mousson (approximately 45 kilometers downstream) and, if possible, continuing to Metz (30 kilometers beyond Pont-à-Mousson).
An early start the following morning was anticipated, but unforeseen circumstances delayed their departure. Upon discovering that the locks leaving Toul did not open until 9am, the vacationers could only depart at 10am despite their best efforts.
With an optimistic outlook, they soon approached their first Moselle lock, finding it miraculously open. Exchanging pleasantries with another vessel that had been stranded for two days due to lock closures between Toul and Pompey, the Walkers appreciated the serendipity of their timely departure.
The ensuing section of the river showcased stunning landscapes, displaying traces of the original canal to Nancy. Old aqueducts and viaducts caught their fascination, leaving them to ponder how such structures had survived through the decades.
Meticulously navigating through the unfamiliar waterway, the couple faced few obstacles until the evening. Occasional encounters with small hire boats necessitated careful maneuvering to avoid collisions. Eventually, they reached a picturesque spot near the Yacht Club in Metz, where they secured a berth for the night.
Following a satisfying day of travel, the Walkers looked forward to exploring Metz the following day. However, their respite was short-lived, as their journey across Europe was far from over. With Germany and Holland still on their itinerary, they prepared for another early start in the morning.
As they prepared for another day of travel, Donald and Marjorie contemplated the luxurious flybridge of their Broom 33 yacht, imagining the speed at which they would traverse the Moselle river. On the deck, they discussed strategies for navigating the intricate lifestyle of the waterways ahead, knowing they had numerous historical towns and vibrant cities to explore. With Germany and Holland on their itinerary, they anticipated a continued voyage filled with scenic beauty and opulent attractions.
