We didn't come across many other Kiwi
boaters during our navigation this season – and when we did, it was
quite memorable. Our first encounter was on the Meuse river after a
fairly long day of boating with M+M. We were approaching
Bogny-sur-Meuse (in the middle of the great Dutch and German
migration in early June) hoping to find room on what we knew would be
a fairly small pontoon. As we came closer, it became obvious that
there wasn't any space and we'd have to raft up to another boat. We
were just discussing which boat to choose, when C suggested we try
the one at the back of the pontoon with a kiwi flag flying off its
stern. Steve and Sonia on Zwerver made us feel most welcome and we
enjoying conversations with them there and at Charleville-Mezieres, a
little further up the Meuse, a few days later.
Our next encounter was at
Chalons-en-Champagne. When we arrived there to drop off Graeme, we
found two Australian boats already moored there. Before we left, Kiwi
boats would outnumber the Australians 3-2. We'd met Phil and Cathy
(Bayleaf) and Glynnis and Bruce (Gray Kiwi) in previous seasons and
it was good to have a catch up with them again.
And that was it, until we arrived back
in St Jean de Losne and parked right next to one called Contessa. She
was empty at the time. On the second day here, C noticed a boat
called La Marie-Josephe in port. We knew that this boat had been
kiwi-owned (maybe still was) but that it had been up for sale during
the season. It was also of particular interest to us because it is
the same make, model and year as ours... It was only flying a French
flag when C went to say “Hello” (or “Bonjour” or whatever was
appropriate). It turns out that it had been sold during the season
and the new owners are also Kiwis. Robyn and Michael own a vineyard
in Marlborough and are thoroughly enjoying their introduction to
French waterways and getting to know their new boat. Before they left
a few days later, we'd had them around for dinner along with Mike and
June from Contessa, who had arrived back on their boat after a
holiday in the south of France. Mike and June also left soon after
and for a while we were the only Kiwis in port...
...but only for a short time. Then,
quite suddenly, Kiwi boats started appearing everywhere: in
Blanquart's marina, in H20 and down on the town quay. It turns out
that a Wellington couple, Grant and Vicky, had sold their boat and a
farewell party had (sort of) been arranged for them. Some people
arrived especially with the event in mind; others, like us, happened
to be around at the time and heard about it on the grapevine. In the
end, there were 20 Kiwis from 10 boats at the Cafe National for
dinner that night.
For us, it was a lovely opportunity to
catch up again with people that we've met on the canals – and in NZ
- over the past 5 years, and to meet some new boaties as well. It was
a most enjoyable evening of food, wine and lively conversation
against a backdrop of the Saone and a glorious sunset. Yet another
moment for us to savour – and store away in our bank of happy
memories.
It was also brilliant for us in terms
of advertising our boat for sale. People looking for canal boats
often talk to those who already have them, so we were delighted at
the interest these boaters took in Erewhon. Several came to visit to
look her over so they could talk with some authority to anyone
looking to buy a boat; we were delighted to welcome them aboard. One
couple was convinced it was the right boat for friends of theirs, who
were looking – and didn't hesitate to tell them so. Unfortunately
for us, those friends absolutely want an outside steering position,
which Erewhon doesn't have. Never mind, we believe that there is
someone out there, probably from NZ, Australia or France, who will
love our boat as much as we have... We just need to find a way to
make sure they find each other.
