The Rhône

Almost all of the 2013 season has been preparing for this adventure.  Historically the Rhône has been wild and dangerous but has been partially tamed recently with new canalised parts added to the locks and power stations inserted.  Nevertheless it is to be approached with extreme respect.  Carmen waited in Beaucaire for the right weather and to make final preparations.  Beaucaire is on the route north but as a result of the changes made to tame the Rhône there is no longer access there.   One could however assess the Rhône from the very bridge that would soon take Carmen a day and a half of navigation to pass under.

By mid July I judged the flow rates and weather to be reasonable and on 19th July François joined as crew.  On the 20th we took Carmen down to below the St Gilles lock that opens onto the Petit Rhône and on the 21st we locked through to start the adventure.

After two hours heading against the current on the very pretty but tricky Petit Rhône travelling at about 11km/h through the water we nevertheless only achieved 8.5km/h over the land.  When we entered the Rhône proper that immediately dropped to just over 5km/h.

There are twelve very large locks on our planned route including the famous 23m lift Bollène.  Carmen is shown below entering it.

to be continued