A lifting experience

 It is Napoleon Bonaparte we should thank for the opportunity today to cruise many of the inland waters of France and Belgium. Back in 1800 at the height of the Anglo-French wars, French coastal shipping was being hammered by the English navy in the 'Narrow Seas' between the two countries. Napoleon decreed that rivers be made navigable and linking waterways be cut to carry freight and munitions safely inland.

Many of the original waterways now provide tranquil cruising.    

Since that era, the waterways of Europe have continued to grow in scale and capacity. We frequently share locks with colossal freighters, or wait in line when there is no space left in the locks.

In Tournai there is a one way system, small craft have to wait their turn.

                      

                           We follow a large commercial through the historic Tournai bridge.

As members of the "Barge Association" we met up in June with a dozen or so other craft for a rally in Thieu, Belgium. Part of the event was a flotilla ride up one of the four historic boat lifts. These incredible meccano-like stuctures have been operating for over a century, lifting 300 ton barges a total of 75m to the summit of the 'Canal de Centre" which is the same strategic route originally proposed by Napoleon between the Sheldt and Meuse rivers. These lifts were designed some years later by the English engineer, Edwin Clark and were based on his earlier sucessful Anderton boat lift in Cheshire, England

                                          

Antiope tucks in among a variety of DBA members vessels

These century old boat lifts were designed to lift 300ton barges

These ancient lifts have now been bypassed by the much enlarged canal and the massive 75m Strepy-Thieu lift. It was opened for traffic in 2002 and was at the time, the highest boat lift in the world. The caissons can handle a fully laden 112m X 12m commercial barge, and each contains approx 8000 tons of water.

 The Stepy-Thieu lift, a daunting sight 

                         

                    The 'Strepy' boat lift. We are like toys in a bath. 

                                       

                                      Beyond the lift we are on the summit level of the New Centre canal.

                                          

                                                                  The collapsed bridge at La Louviere. 

                                                  This was the reason for our long "West about" route to Thieu

Following the gathering, we take time out for a few days on the old Spiere canal route into France. 

On the border is la Maison du Canal bar restuarant.  

              

 The Spiere canal, not much traffic !

           

On the border with France. 

We have come to like cruising in Belgium. We will probably stay around this region and winter Antiope near here.

Cheers Charles and Annie