Finally we are ready to leave. The ice is (at least for a while) gone, so we turn towards Strasbourg. Since there are still places with ice we follow the gravel barge. They will stay overnight halfway between here and Strasbourg.

Watch the ice melt (no joke).

Christian and Josiane join us for a few hours cruising. With their hospitality they have helped us a lot making the stay in Hochfelden enjoyable. Before we leave we also invite the whole crew of the VNF, the local canal authorities for drinks. They also have helped a lot, for example by thawing frozen water-faucets so we never were without drinking water. We promise to stop here again when we really pass on our way South.

So we are not glad we got caught in the ice, but it was the best place to get caught.