To Froissy France

Today we did 171km to get a bit closer to Dieppe by Thursday. 

Our first stop was in Guise, 77km away. The castle, one of it main monuments was closed today, being Monday. But we strolled around reading about the town’s history.

Next we went to Montbrehain (visited 2013) but worth another stop as it was here that the Australian Infantry fought their last battle in WWI. 

We returned to the Riqueval Tunnel (also in 2013), which was built on the orders of Napoleon between 1801-10 and still remains in use as part of the St Quentin Canal. At 5,670m, it was the longest tunnel in the world. When boats began to have diesel motors it became necessary to use a chain towing system so avoid the dangerous fumes. 

We also made a poignant visit at the Bellecourt Commonwealth War Cemetery, spending a few moments reflecting on the loss of all the lives taken during war.

We got some water from the service point in Peronne and then went in search of a spot along the Somme Canal, eventually finding it in Froissy at Lock 11. Unfortunately there’s no traffic on the canal to see the lock in action.

So that is for the day… well Mark does get enthusiastic and give Bluey a bit of a wash before the sunsets.

There was lots of sugar beets ready to be picked up on the fields

For this towns that have no Boulanger there is the automatic dispenser.