Monday, September 17th
After a quite restful night in the lovely
port of Castelnaudary, Rob went to get the baguettes while Prue fixed the rest
of breakfast. After breakfast we went to the local Monday market where were
enjoyed seeing the fantastic selection of French rural produce. We bought
fruit, vegetables, milk (unpasteurised), pate (fantastic), and a roasted
chicken which came complete with a box of roasted potatoes – that will be
dinner tonight.
Immediately upon leaving Castelnaudary there is a 4 section lock which we entered
with two other boats – one larger than ours and one smaller.
They became our companions for the next 12 locks.
All three boats got quite good at fitting into the locks, and while the 8 English on the larger boat looked after themselves, as only the English can, we bonded much better with the three Canadians in the smaller boat. In fact, at one stage Prue hitched a ride between two locks, had a cup of tea, got some green beans, and then became part of their crew. I had to remind the crew that you can’t serve two captains!
They became our companions for the next 12 locks.
All three boats got quite good at fitting into the locks, and while the 8 English on the larger boat looked after themselves, as only the English can, we bonded much better with the three Canadians in the smaller boat. In fact, at one stage Prue hitched a ride between two locks, had a cup of tea, got some green beans, and then became part of their crew. I had to remind the crew that you can’t serve two captains!
By midday we realized the locks would soon
be closing for lunch (you can’t stand between a Frenchman and lunch), so we
“pegged up” beside the canal, raised the parasol, and had a delicious lunch!
After lunch, and more importantly after the lock keeper’s lunch (and what a lovely young thing she was) we caught up with the Canadians and followed them all through the final three locks into Bram. The countryside was typically French rural, early autumn:
Unfortunately, we were also joined by a Dutch couple who seemed to be in quite a hurry, broke all the rules, almost broke a leg, and made no eye contact. You learn a lot about national traits when boating.
There were some long straight stretches without locks, for a change, so the crew took the helm for a while:
Totally in control!
Arrived at the little port of Bram (now closed and taken over by another boat hire company) around 4:30pm:
...just in time for a cold beer at the local bar.
Dinner will be that roast chicken – probably al fresco! Another fine day on the Canal du Midi:
...just in time for a cold beer at the local bar.
Dinner will be that roast chicken – probably al fresco! Another fine day on the Canal du Midi:
PS. Lots of lock!
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