We started our premier season in Schoten, Belgium and ended it in Épinal, France. We arrived in Schoten in early July; our cruise lasted from August 8 until September 27; we left Épinal and returned to Australia on 6/7 November.

We travelled on the following waterways:

• Kanaal Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten
• Kanaal Bocholt-Herendals
• Zuid-Willemsvaert
• Kanaal Briegden-Neerhaven
• Albertkanaal
• Canal de Visé-Harcourt
• Canal de Monsin
• La Meuse et son Canal
• Canal de la Marne au Rhin (Ouest)
• La Moselle et son Canal
• Canal des Vosges

• Distance covered – 640 kilometres
• Locks – 142
• Tunnels – 4
• Days of travel – 26
• Days of rest – 24
• Average hours on travel days – 5.25
• Average daily distance – 24.6
• Average speed – 5.5 kilometres per hour
• Fuel consumption – 450 litres @ 3.4 litres per hour
• Cost of fuel – total €600 @ €1.33/litre (inc. delivery)

• Cost of mooring at Schoten Yacht Club (33 days) – €16 per day, including water and electricity
• Cost of mooring at Epinal (40 days) – €5 per day, including water and electricity
• Cost of mooring while cruising (50 days) – varied from free (with or without facilities) to €16 per day, including water and electricity
• Total cost of mooring – €1000 @ €8 per day
• Cost of winter mooring (without facilities) – €100 per month, payable on return

• Cost of meals eaten at cafes and restaurants – €12-€40 per head (exc. drinks)
• Estimated cost of meals for two people, eating out 4-5 times/week – €2600 @ €144/week
• Estimated cost of wine and other drinks – €800  @ €44/week)
• Estimated cost of groceries – €1800 @ €100/week

• Total cost of mooring, fuel, food and drink – €6800 @ €1700/month

• Cost of maintenance, repairs spares and upgrades – €3000

includes 4 deep-cycle batteries + 2 engine batteries + dual charger + battery monitor + labour to fit these; paint and painting equipment; hand tools and small electrical tools

• Marine insurance – €900
• Training and certification (2 people) – €1300

• Cost of household items and upgrades – €2000

includes coffee machine/grinder, kettle/toaster, TV/satellite decoder, printer, replacement furniture, kitchen/tableware, manchester, 2 bicycles, 2 BBQs, 2 heaters, decor, other sundry items