Homps to Le Somail

Friday, September 21st

We didn’t need or anticipate an early start today. Fortunately "hippy man" with the Fiat didn't keep us awake too long.

The intermediate point of the trip, Argens was only three locks (two of which were double) and about 10 km away, and we needed to drop in for a little “re-provisioning”.  

We traveled with the English couple in their narrow boat for a while:

They were good company, knew the canal well, and were able to five us some good tips. There were also a few incongruous sites along the way. Old technology:

And new technology:

Which is spookier?

Basically, we just needed some fresh sheets and towels, and some extra diesel in Argens (only “just in case”).

We thought we would easily make Argens before lunch, and left around 10:00am. However, we didn’t anticipate a small queue at the first lock – just enough boats to ensure that we’d be there for over an hour. Our English “friends” in their narrow boat arrived shortly afterwards, so we were well entertained with stories of canal life  - they have had this boat based on the Canal du Midi for ten years, also have a similar boat back in England.

Although today was much calmer than yesterday, it had a few moments – the narrow boat hitting the bank a little too fast because its driver underestimate his speed while docking; and a large group of French women (8 or 9) in two boats with one male driver in each managing to stuff their entry into a couple of locks.

Lunch arrived just as we arrived at the last lock before Argens – but hey, who cares?! We bought some apricot jam and almonds soaked in honey from the lock keeper before he went to lunch. These will be great on tomorrow’s baguette.

There have been a lot of vinyards along the canal for the past few days, and this means "caves" - places to taste wine, and of course to drink wine:

 We didn't, of course!

At 1:30pm precisely the lock opened, we went in with the narrow boat, and the French women were still picnicking on the sure – the boats behind were not happy because this probably added another hour to their day.

At Argens we were looked after very well – I think the embarrassment of not having our boat ready was still apparent. 

After Argens there was only one more lock before 55 km of lock free canal. We did about 20 km of this before selecting La Somail to moor for the night. The countryside is now flatter, the canal more meandering, and the frequency of little villages is increasing.

Off to dinner – Prue’s inviting! 

PS. Another great French meal!