Wilco had business to take care of back home and would be gone for 5 nights. We had heard wonderful things about Nancy so we hurried there passing up some beautiful little villages. We also missed the city of Toul, which looked amazing from the canal. We will be passing through the same area on our way to Paris so we should be able to see everything we missed. I just hope we are not going to be in as big a rush.
The locks are now 5.13 meters wide, leaving Rabelo with less than one inch on either side. Next year I’m bringing a large tube of KY jelly. We have been on small canals for almost a month. Cruising on the mighty Mosselle was a welcome change. This beautiful broad river with huge locks separated by miles of verdant scenery gave us some desperately needed breathing room. Unfortunately our grand highway didn’t last for long as we had to make a hard right on to the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. The good news was our next stop was Nancy (Nan-cee).
“La Moselle.”
I think of all the cities we have visited Nancy is our favorite. With its beautiful gardens and parks, wonderful museums, impressive cathedral and incredible architecture it has proven to be an extraordinary place. I’m sure it is a city we will return to many times. Grande Rue is a street where all the building facades are the same as they were during the Middle Ages. What I found most amazing was that his ancient street would fit into any large U.S. city and no one would know the difference.
“ Stealing a kiss at the museum in Nancy.”
“Stanislaus Place by day.”
“One of the beautiful parks.”
“More interesting architecture. Note the Croix de Lorraine, or cross with two cross pieces in honor of Duke Rene.”
“Lisa standing on Grande Rue.”
“One of the gates leading to Stanislaus Place.”
“And of course we had to go shopping.”
“And of course we had to go shopping.”
The light show in the main square, Stanislaus Place was beyond incredible. During the summer they do it every night starting at 10:00pm. I have never seen anything like it. The entire square was filled with people absolutely astounded by what they were witnessing.
“What a light show.”
This evening Lisa and I watched a movie. When it was over around 11:00pm I decided to go to my office and finish this installment of Living Barge. Just as I was sitting down I thought I heard footsteps on deck. I rushed up to see who it was. Just as I got on deck I saw a kid jump off Rabelo and ride away on one of our bikes. He had cut the cable that we used to lock the bikes. This unfortunate selfish act has certainly burnished the reputation of a wonderful city for us.
-Tom Miller
Author of “The Wave” – a Chuck Palmer Adventure novel
OCT
About the Author:
Tom Miller graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He is a consummate adventurer with over 1,000 dives as a recreational scuba diver, and an avid sailor who has traveled 65,000 miles throughout the Pacific including the Hawaiian Islands. Miller has also cruised the canals of Europe on his canal barge and given numerous lectures on cruising the canals of Europe, as well as sailing in the South Pacific. Piloting is also an interest of Miller's, and He has completed over 1,000 hours flying everything from small Cessnas to Lear jets.