Spring Renewal

Our friend and neighbour, Tim, across the canal, the owner of Randle, removed the engine from his boat this week. It was time for an engine overhaul and renewal after many years of faithful service. Kelvin Diesel was established in 1904 by Walter Bergius who started up a car company. The car portion of the business closed after it was determined that the engines were better suited to the marine environment. Today Kelvin Diesel, located in Glasgow Scotland, manufactures a variety of engines used in a multiple array of boats, from canal boats like the Randle to tugs and fishing vessels in the North Sea. Known for dependability and sturdiness they are lovingly maintained by their respective owners and subsequently have longevity. The replacement is identical and Tim has been planning and prepping for this day all winter. New motor mounts will make the ride softer for this big Kelvin and the chug-a-chug vibration less. An engine overhaul requiring the removal of a very large object through a very confined outlet requires side-walk superintending and we all thoroughly enjoyed the job. The execution was interesting to the spectators and a bit more nerve-wracking for the owner! It all went off flawlessly with congratulations all ‘round over a cup of tea and we await the bright as a new pin replacement this coming week.

Periodically, John flew back and forth across the paserelle on his bike to catch a few moments of the job as he awaited the fuel truck to arrive at the boat. Of course, the truck did not arrive until all the engine removal was completed and the fun over. But arrive it did and we are fueled for takeoff as soon as the VNF opens the waterway system. We expect around the 24^th of March. At least downstream will be navigable by that day, but upstream into the Nivernais will possibly be as late as May 1^st due to the flooding and damages caused by it.

Spring has arrived, the weather kind, the sun feeling warmer every day. The hills are greening. Sadly, we will be leaving before the cherry blossom bloom, for which this area is celebrated. Walking in the high hills along the edge of the Chablis vineyards one can see the soil and rocks that give this famous region its fine wines. Of note is the fact that in the Auxerre district the landscape of the vineyards is different. Small trees clipped into parasol shapes grow alongside the vine rows. These are cherry trees. After the phylloxera crisis in and around 1870, the winegrowers replaced their vines with cherry trees and the fruit allowed them to survive. Two types still predominate. Bigarreau couer de pigeon, a very rustic variety, produces in June a large tart fruit carmine, crisp and firm. A self-fertile fruit tree it does not require other trees to be pollinated. Marmotte is another variety with blackish red coloration and sweet and firm flesh. Oh, to be here when the trees produce!

Chariot Télescopique

Owner of Randle & Owner of Luciole Conferring

Conducteur de Chariot Élévateur Télescopique

On the Other Shore is a Tiny Person in Orange-John, Waiting for Fuel Truck so Unable to Join Us. 

Positioning

Waiting for Alignment Before Lift

Large Engine To Evacuate from Small Space

Emerging

Secured & Coming Up

Maneuverings 

More
Maneuverings

Manipulations

Lift Equals 2 Tonnes

Over the Edge

On Hold

Lots of Brass and Copper on This Big Boy!

Raymond & Tim Watch the Precision of the Conducteur

The Maker

More Brass

At Rest & Ready for the Shop

The Talent Behind the Job: Congratulations on Planning & Execution

Lotta Work Ahead

No Sign of Cherry Blooms Yet

Greening Fields 

Walking With Marie-Joëlle High Above the St. Bris Vineyards

Broad Horizon

The Chardonnay Vines of Chablis

Delicious Cherry Product

Vincelles on the Yonne

Some Lovely Old Buildings

Cat In Window

Window Couture

Vineyards of Sancerre: (A Second Trip to Re-stock at Jean Paul Picard)