Sep 7th Underway

So we are on our way to the next lock from our overnight stop in front of the restaurant that was not open.  HA    So far, This is what the locks looked like.  G & J just came back with info... The rumor here is, that there is a "Strike" going on today by all the govt employees. 

Let me explain what this means to us... All govt employees in France go on strike when they feel mad, upset,  or threatened by their govt.  At this moment the govt is threatening to take away benefits like some overtime pay or some extra hours that are currently paid for at this time. 

So people in this country that are govt employees strike, and in this country it is called "Greve"  (think grievance)  in our country. But  they do it here in an organized, respectful manor.  They do not  burn cars, or peoples lawns, or throw burning oil cans into someones homes or business.   Here they plan it, they declare it in advance, and they do it.  For one day at a time.  But we are talking about Taxi drivers, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Govt employees, LOCKKEEPERS!!!

So we are hearing there is a strike on this day, but so far the first two locks have opened for us.  They were younger kids ( early 20's) and they locked us through.  But the next lock we came to confirmed the rumor.
There was a strike, he could not open the lock for us.