My barge was built in the 1920's, she's called "Vieux reve" which means the "Old dream". She is a "Luxe motor", type of boat. With a length of 30 metres (thats just a bit more than a 100 feet), 5 metres wide, the keel draws 1.10 metres on the stern, and 50 cm at the bow, there is just one lower deck, a large sun deck, the original crew quaters at the stern, the barge offers much space.
There are quite a few types of barges around, from Tjalks to Freycient to Klippers and others.
I really like the the outlines of the Luxe motors, smooth curves and a proud bow.
What used to hold the cargo, is now converted into two sleeping cabins, a kitchen/galley/breakfast bar and large saloon. The stern cabin, is still in it's original state, with wood panneling, a tiny shower/sink/wc, a large double bed and a small desk.
The wheel house is also original, but with a few modern gadgets for steering and motor control.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Guess I'll say Bonjour
I think I'll start this with the intention of sharing some of my barging experience and the passion I have developed for the canals over the last 20 years.
Just to situate you, I'm in France, in the region of Burgundy, on what is called the Canal of Burgundy or in French La Canal de Bourgogne I've been living and working on a barge for quite a few years. I guess like many other people, I decided to "throw" it all away and get out of the rat race. After leaving school in the UK, going to London to find a job etc etc. I suddenly realized that this was not what I thought it was all about. So... I just left and went to France.
I had heard about barges and canals, Paris and the river Seine, so at the age of 23, I packed my one and only bag, took the train to Dover, the midnight ferry to Calais and trained to Paris. This used to be a cheap way to travel to Paris.
I basically left everything behind... with no regrets.
Just to situate you, I'm in France, in the region of Burgundy, on what is called the Canal of Burgundy or in French La Canal de Bourgogne I've been living and working on a barge for quite a few years. I guess like many other people, I decided to "throw" it all away and get out of the rat race. After leaving school in the UK, going to London to find a job etc etc. I suddenly realized that this was not what I thought it was all about. So... I just left and went to France.
I had heard about barges and canals, Paris and the river Seine, so at the age of 23, I packed my one and only bag, took the train to Dover, the midnight ferry to Calais and trained to Paris. This used to be a cheap way to travel to Paris.
I basically left everything behind... with no regrets.
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