45 km and 26 locks further, here we are in Paradise, a stretch of water surrounded by long grass, tall hedges and a majestic lime tree, 4km north of Briare. I can't recount the number of scratches and bumps we have had to submit poor Wilhelmina to, entering or exiting locks nor the number of beers we gave away, but I will not forget Sunday's river swim, WARM deck solar shower and hair wash (at last!), nor Jean-Michel, an enthusiastic eclusier, boat and canal lover who admired Wilhelmina and took every details about her for his collection, nor the early clothes washing session with Jean-Pierre's wonderful washing machine (we took the opportunity when we were moored near water and electricity and Dammarie-sur-Loing), nor the amazing sight of Rogny's ladder of seven locks, built during the rign of Henry IV,now replaced by the more practical six non-contiguous locks we took - boats can pass one another thank goodness.
It has taken us all this time to eventually relax, stop shouting at each other for putting the fenders at the wrong height or wanting to put the leeboards down or bashing the entrance of the lock and realise how wonderful it is to be gliding on these waters.
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