The Journey -
Pharmacists, Frogs and Tunnels from 'Rosy'

Further to French fishermen ...

It is worth adding that the French (and the Belgies) have developed a riveting sport called 'Watching Fishing'.  This is generally indulged in by women, who go along with hubby and watch him fishing.  Since nothing happens on the fishing front all day, the question arises as to who (if Madame is there watching the fishing) is at home cooking dinner!!! 

The other day, in Cambrai, at 6 am, 3 Frenchmen settled down upwind (and hence up-noise) of 'Rosy' to fish.  They settle down about 20 yards apart such that Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 1 can hear Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 2, but not Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 3, and Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 3 ditto.  Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 2 (naturally) has that loud, resonating, adenoidal, annoying voice that so many Frenchmen seem to have.  Anyway, Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 2 said something.  Loudly.  Twice.  Once so that Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 1 could hear it, and once such that Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 3 could hear it.  Then he had to relay Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 1's remarks to Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 3, and (of course) Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 3's remarks to Mr Froggie Frenchman Number 1.  Five minutes of that was enough for me, and wound BBC World Service up to full volume to drown them out.

On 3 July I went on a battlefield tour of The Somme.  Sunday had been the 85th anniversary of the start.  It was my first visit.  I was in The Somme Company at Sandhurst, and my ex pa-in-law had been it ( and badly wounded).  So I know the basics of the battle quite well.  But to see it on the ground, on as fine a day as it had been in 1916, was quite something. 

On 4th July I left Cambrai, and had a gentle day's cruising, till I met up with .........

He is a Brit.  The boat is call 'The Prescription' and he is a pharmacist.  He talks, drivel, non-stop.  He has a woman on board to look after the ropes, who he shouts at and berates.  I have shared 20 or so locks with them.  I've got her to admit that he is difficult.  I'm working on persuading her to jump ship.  She looks a bit frumpy, but I'm encouraged by the lacy black knickerettes hanging out to dry.  Watch this space!! 

Today was a tunnel day.  Two tunnels.  The first 5.6 km long, the second a mere 1.1 km or so.  In the first, one is towed through by an ageing tug, fired by electricity obtained from two overhead wires that flash blue sparks.  The voles are put to work to turn a drum around which are 3 turns of the chain that lays along the floor of the tunnel.  One motors through the second under ones own power.  Mr Nitwit Pharmacist advised me that it would cost us each F200, but it cost us about nothing.

After 8 hours cruising I'm knackered and need a cold beer, so I'll just say ..

Toodle pip!!

Bill