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Exploring Europe – mostly on our barge 'Catharina Elisabeth'
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Author: Helm and Crew

We've always loved the idea of France. We knew next to nothing about boats, cruising and mechanics. So, ten years ago, we bought a 99 year-old-barge and are now amongst the most fortunate people on Earth - living for months on end cruising the European waterways.
—  By Helm and CrewAugust 8, 2017

Mademoiselle from Armentières, Parlez-Vous? : 07/07 – 08/07

Kortrijk to Armentieres In and out of France Yes, today we would start our adventures in France, on our own barge. A long-held dream was about to become reality. With sunny skies and a gentle breeze, we set off from Kortrijk. We thought we would…
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—  By Helm and CrewJuly 18, 2017

Stranded – Waiting for a green light for France: 28/6-4/7

Diksmuide to Kortrijk via Stilhallebrug and Deinze Getting Back It seemed like a longer journey back to Belgium this year and it probably was. Two plane flights, and a bit of a delay leaving China which put us behind. Getting out of Charles de Gaulle was slow…
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—  By Helm and CrewJuly 18, 2017

Australian Bar in Flanders: 21/9-26/9

Fintele – Ieper – Diksmuide To the War Town We awoke to a lovely misty morning at our peaceful mooring. The girls were exploring the surrounds and found some sheep grazing next to the towpath. The lock-keeper showed up for his morning shift, and was chatting…
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—  By Helm and CrewJune 23, 2017

Plans in Gelée: 25/06/2017 – 26/09/2017

Diksmuide (BE) – Toul (FR) Winter has come in Australia, so it is time again for these two birds to fly north to the summer, this time, in France. We are finally going to spend almost all the three months of cruising in France, as…
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  1. Avatar photo
    Ian on Downstream on the Rhône (23/06 – 29/06/25)March 6, 2026

    Oops, just realised you were simply reporting Hennie Ha doesn't have a bow thruster, not that it's broken. We found…

  2. Avatar photo
    Ian on Downstream on the Rhône (23/06 – 29/06/25)March 5, 2026

    Good Timing Val, your comment arrived just as Lisette published her blog on Avignon. Bow thrusters are such temperamental things…

  3. Val on Downstream on the Rhône (23/06 – 29/06/25)March 5, 2026

    What a trip, Ian and Lisette. That wind sounds wicked. I’m not sure we would fare too well with Hennie…

  4. Avatar photo
    Ian on Lyon (20/06 – 22/06)February 23, 2026

    Our (very much delayed) pleasure Gina.

Categories

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