Travels with Forty Roses: Species

We see two particular species most frequently in our travels along the canals and rivers…blue herons and les pêcheurs; otherwise known as local fishermen. Our objective whilst traveling on the waterways is to keep both these indigenous species content. The blue herons are more undemanding to deal with than les pêcheurs. While the birds either stay stalk still, silent and expressionless as we pass, or fly up from their branches and settle in a new location, les pêcheurs tend toward gestures and vocalization. Whereas the birds can be seen in plain sight, the interesting thing about les pêcheurs species is that they tend to hide along treed banks where only the keenly discerning eye can see their long fishing poles and line shimmering in the breeze. The fishing rods can reach the astonishing length of 10 M so the lines float out into the middle of the river or canal. Fishing line and propellers don’t mix well and it is a job, in some waterways, to keep Captain and les pêcheurs variety happy.

It is always my objective to scout them out, divert the Captain away from the lines ahead and to wave, call out Bonjour and be friendly, as well as considerate. Some of the genus is more affable than others within the type. When we do receive a wave and a smile we feel rather elated... rewarded in fact, just like birdwatchers when they discover a rare find.

The pictures below give an example of the fishing stands that appear at good fishing spots along the Marne. No one uses new timber as La Marne floods every spring so why use new material. The flotsam and jetsam are gathered and restructured if the flood carries an existing ‘stand’ away. Les pêcheurs are passionate about their sport. The equipment we see is rather overwhelming...not just a simple rod but multi rods attached to an electronic device that beeps if a fish touches.Tube-like nets to hold their catch in the water. Fancy little canvas shelters with lounge chairs and an amazing kit that can be carried like a suitcase but unfolds as a chair with all kinds of useful fishing gear enclosed. As this species is shy of being photographed and tends to spurn boats of any description, large or small, we cannot show you the lengths to which these anglers go to catch a fish. Rain, fog or shine.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Marne and all she offered. A beautiful river. We shall return.