Tidal Coefficient

We are in Bordeaux, well a little outside Bordeaux in an industrial basin overlooked by what looks like a nuclear power plant but is probably petro-chemical. It is about a 40min. cycle ride into the city which is incredibly beautiful. Lots of museums and art galleries, all free on the first sunday of the month. We are parked on a floating pontoon which seems to manage the huge tidal shifts of up to 9 metres.

The night before last we were in Cadillac, an ancient town with original battlements and four stone gates into the city. We went to a wonderful night food market and ate snails and oysters. In the morning there was a general food market where we were able to stock up before having real hot showers in the camp ground. We were severely challenged by a huge tidal wave, like a tsunami, that howled up the river and took all out strength to prevent damage. In the morning it returned so we were pleased to be on our way. We had it explained as being to do with the tidal coefficient [1] [2].

The river is beautiful and amazingly alive with little fishing huts and nets but we will be glad to get back to the canal without the wild currents. The entry onto the river was somewhat fraught with the eclusier becoming hysterical that the boats were not following his exact instructions. The deep locks into the river were fairly easily managed. The last little piece of canal was exceptionally lovely, lots of birds and shade, we will be glad to return.

The most beautiful stopping place was near La Reole beside an old stone tower on the bank of the canal. Two churches chimed out the hour with their bells and a doberman and some cows kept an eye on us. The ancient fortified city of la Reole had a cinema and a rather inadequate supermarche but was redeemed by the abundance of second hand children’s clothes shops.

We are roasting a huge guinea fowl on the bar b q to-night. The tide has turned and the water is ferocious. We will follow first thing in the morning to make the most of the up-stream current.

[1] NOTE (Simon): Today (Monday) Siobhan talked to the lock-keeper at Castets who said the wave is called Le Mascaret.  (Consists of a series of waves usually 4 to 5 large up to 2.5 m in height, spaced about 10 m. They are followed by a very turbulent area. All moves at a speed that depends on the depth, about 15 to 30 km / h from place to place.) Our Le Mascaret at Cadillac was about .5m and about 20km/hr.

[2] There is a related website that gives lovely graphical tide charts and fishing times