You Re Crazy They Said Bordeaux To The Black Sea By River And Canal: An Epic Journey of Adventure and Exploration

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on an extraordinary adventure? One that takes you from the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux all the way to the mesmerizing Black Sea? Well, get ready to be inspired as we delve into the awe-inspiring journey of a group of intrepid explorers who dared to undertake this epic expedition, defying all odds to conquer both river and canal.

Picture this: a group of thrill-seekers equipped with nothing but a sturdy vessel, indomitable spirit, and an insatiable thirst for discovery. The challenge? To navigate the legendary waterways that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, traversing an astonishing 3,000 kilometers of diverse landscapes and incredible cultural heritage.

Alt Attribute: Bordeaux to the Black Sea - A picturesque canal surrounded by lush greenery.

"You're Crazy", they said - Bordeaux to the Black Sea by river and canal

by Penny A. Pasque(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	72 pages
Item Weight	:	4.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.91 x 0.17 x 8.66 inches

FREE

A Journey of River and Canal Exploration

This audacious journey begins in Bordeaux, a city synonymous with luxury and renowned for its world-class wines. Our adventurers start by sailing down the majestic Gironde River, the largest estuary in Western Europe. Here, they are met by stunning panoramas of vibrant vineyards and charming riverside villages, immersing themselves in the beauty that Bordeaux has to offer.

As they carefully maneuver through the meandering channels of the Gironde, they also encounter captivating avian species, a testament to the rich biodiversity that thrives along these waterways. The clicks and chirps of the diverse avifauna create an enchanting soundtrack as the explorers venture further into uncharted territory.

Alt Attribute: A captivating sunset over the Gironde River.

Unleashing the Explorer Within

Once our adventurous group reaches the Garonne River, their journey becomes even more exhilarating. As they leave Bordeaux behind, they set their sights on Toulouse, the gentle giant of southern France. Originally known as the "Red City" due to the color of its bricks, Toulouse boasts a vibrant mix of architecture, encompassing medieval towers, Renaissance mansions, and splendid cathedrals.

Alt Attribute: A panoramic view of the breathtaking Toulouse skyline.

From Toulouse, the expedition encounters a series of locks and canals, each with its own character and marvels. The explorers skillfully navigate through the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases an engineering marvel constructed in the 17th century. The tree-lined banks provide a soothing shade as they cruise along, while ancient villages and charming towns dot the landscape, inviting the explorers to pause and immerse themselves in the local culture.

The Canal du Midi leads our adventurous souls to the Rhône River, a powerful waterway intertwined with centuries of history. They sail past the Pont du Gard, an imposing Roman aqueduct that stands as an eternal testament to engineering prowess. As they cruise through this breathtaking region, they are enveloped by the scents of lavender and thyme, which infuse the air, intensifying the sensory experience.

Alt Attribute: A stunning aerial view of the enchanting Canal du Midi.

A Taste of Provence

Leaving the Rhône behind, our explorers enter the intricate network of canals that weave through the heart of Provence. Here, they are captivated by the region's rustic charm, scenic landscapes, and the tantalizing aroma of lavender fields. Passing through iconic destinations like Avignon, known for its majestic papal palace, and the picturesque town of Arles, made famous by the extraordinary Vincent van Gogh, our adventurers are constantly surrounded by the timeless beauty of Provence.

Alt Attribute: A mesmerizing aerial shot of a lavender field in Provence.

Conquering the Grand Canal du Rhône

As our heroes push further east, they reach the Grand Canal du Rhône, the gateway to the vast network of waterways that ultimately leads them to the legendary Black Sea. This formidable canal presents its own set of challenges, but the thrill of the journey and the promise of new adventures drive our explorers forward.

Winding their way through the enchanting cities of Lyon and Chalon-sur-Saône, they encounter picturesque landscapes that seem straight out of a postcard. The melodic sounds of French music waft through the air, as lively street markets offer a taste of local delicacies. Our adventurers seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of the region, indulging in delectable dishes and savoring some of the finest wines France has to offer.

Alt Attribute: A quaint canal-lined street in Lyon, France.

Mesmerizing the Danube Delta

Having conquered the French canals and waterways, our intrepid explorers finally arrive at the majestic Danube River, the Queen of European rivers. As they navigate through this awe-inspiring waterway, they encounter the remarkable Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site of astounding natural beauty. Here, the murky waters give way to an explosion of vibrant flora and fauna, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and scents that awakens the senses.

The Danube Delta serves as the gateway to the Black Sea, the final destination of this incredible journey. Our adventurers revel in the triumphant feeling of having completed a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, forever transformed by the landscapes, cultures, and experiences they have encountered along the way.

Alt Attribute: A breathtaking aerial view of the stunning Danube Delta.

: A Journey of a Lifetime

You Re Crazy They Said Bordeaux To The Black Sea By River And Canal. Yes, they were called crazy for dreaming of such an audacious adventure, but in the end, it was their passion, curiosity, and relentless spirit that led them to conquer the extraordinary and immerse themselves in the wonders of Europe's magnificent waterways.

As you read this captivating account of their journey, let it inspire you to break free from the confines of the ordinary and dare to embark on your own epic adventure. Whether it's sailing through canals, trekking across mountains, or exploring unknown territories, the world is your playground, waiting to be discovered.

"You're Crazy", they said - Bordeaux to the Black Sea by river and canal

by Penny A. Pasque(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	72 pages
Item Weight	:	4.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.91 x 0.17 x 8.66 inches

FREE

An impulsive and possibly unwise decision would lead to the author sailing his yacht ‘Celestine’, a vessel uniquely unsuited to the purpose, across the entire width of Europe by inland waterways, with little forward planning or knowledge of the obstacles ahead, leading to surfing down an alarmingly shallow Rhine while dodging huge cargo pénishes, stuck in the mud in shallower than advertised weed choked canals, and traveling over 1,200 miles down the rapidly shallowing Danube to the Black Sea.

This journey would eventually cover 2,960 miles through 484 locks, three tunnels, numerous locks, aqueducts and lifting bridges, traversing eight countries to end in Constanta, Romania on the Black Sea within 122 days.
The distance is the equivalent of driving the 400 miles London to Edinburgh seven times at 6mph.

The journey across Europe was a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and experiences from rising up 80 ft in the mighty Ecluse de Bollene on the Rhone River, attending a beer festival in Bavaria and wondering how on earth I got there by boat, to anchoring in a glass calm lagoon off the River Rhine and sitting on deck enjoying the bright stars in a black sky, to exploring Vienna, and discovering, for me, hidden gems like Bratislava in Slovakia, just because we happened to drop anchor there for the night.

There were a number of heart-warming interactions with locals along the way, and a not so heart-warming interaction with the law in Serbia.

A cast of characters joined the adventure for varying periods from America, Ireland, and New Zealand, all contributing their wisdom, insight, humour and energy, including my Pokémon Go obsessed crew for the entire journey, Pete.
There is something here for the traveller, boaties of every ilk, and lovers of the inland waterways of Europe.