What’s in a name

We chose the name “Detour” for our canal boat for two reasons. The first, and most obvious, is the role she played in our decision to sell our home. The second reason is that the word “detour”, means the same thing, and is spelled the same way, in English and in French.

She resembles the canal boats that served for decades as the primary means of transporting goods. She was built in 2017 and was rented to vacationers until she became ours. She is a massive steel boat and requires a gentle hand for steering.

Before canal boats were motorized, they were pulled along by horses. The horses strode on wide paths each side of the canals. These paths, called towpaths, have been beautifully maintained for centuries. They serve as recreational paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders. They are also off-road paths that connect towns and villages. Duhkxy loves to accompany us on long walks we take each day.

Detour came with four bicycles. We returned our rental car some time ago and are now peddling for provisions and sightseeing. Duhkxy can not accompany us yet, but a trailer for him is on order. It will be interesting to see how he likes it.

We are moored, to date, on the Canal Midi at La Port Robine. There are a number of boats here that serve as permanent, stationary, residences. Sections designated as “Long Stay”, have quite a few unoccupied boats that appear to have stayed for very long times. We have found it to be the same in most boatyards and marinas.

We have been here for about 5 weeks. So far, Detour has only been out for one short spin to pick up a couch. We’ve had a lot of cleaning and shopping to do (dishes, linens, furniture) and lots, lots more. It’s all coming together. If the last few purchases arrive when promised, we should be on our way in early August.