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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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(ascribed to) Vincent Van Gogh

  1. Avatar photo
    Lisette on A long pause in Tournus (8/06 – 13/06)July 29, 2025

    We are having so much fun, Mary, that the blog entries do suffer somewhat. I have drafted the next one,…

  2. Mary Whelan on A long pause in Tournus (8/06 – 13/06)July 18, 2025

    What a beautiful experience for your birthday Lisette and it will be something to remember. You were so lucky about…

  3. Avatar photo
    Lisette on Cruising into new territory (3/06 – 7/06)June 18, 2025

    Hi Val, We never cease to be amazed by the serendipitous links we find as we continue our travels. Ian…

  4. Avatar photo
    Ian on Into the swing of things (20/05 – 28/05)June 18, 2025

    Hard to see you amongst all the rescue services, Lon! My brother arrives today and we'll tinker with the BRAS…

Categories

  • ►Barging (168)
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  • ►Waterways – France (25)
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    • ►Loing, Canal du (1)
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