Friday 6 July - finally, cruising with Em and Rhi, generator problems, Schubert

Finally, we are off to Agen by barge! Left Moissac around 11am and got to Valence d'Agen around 4pm. I think Emma and Rhianna enjoyed the experience now that we were finally underway, and seeing some of the French countryside from the canal.

No dramas except being caught in Ecluse 28 for a while. It was open when we arrived, but the red light was showing. We went in anyway, and tried to start the locking cycle, but nothing happened, with the back gates remaining open. Called VNF and two vans arrived within 10 minutes. We were soon underway again.

On getting to Valence d'Agen, we tried to start the generator, so that Em could do some washing. Started OK, then stopped within about a minute with "failure water temp" error. Happened twice. Emailed Iain and he suggested checking seacocks and strainer for canal water cooling water. All looked OK, then rang Iain. He suggested turning outlet seacocks off to force water out with exhaust gas to see if any water was going through. Did so, and nothing came out, suggesting no water flow. He then suggested that the impeller might need replacing. Found two spare impellers in Chris's spare parts stock. Decided to do this in the morning, after the engine room had cooled down a bit. Went in to Valence d'Agen for dinner at our favourite Cafe Industrie. Had the St Jacques again. Yummy. While there, we noticed a bunch of musicians in black clothing arriving for dinner. Rita made some enquiries and found that they were playing at nine in the church next door. So we ended up going to a Schubert concert that night. Never know quite what to expect along the canals.