Well we finally left our winter mooring in Castelnaudary. It was sad to leave friends, but nice to know that we will see many along the way during the summer, and others returning for next winters layup. One of the best winter ports we've been in.
We didnt get very far the first day. The engine exhaust was smoking so we stopped so that Ni could investigate, had lunch and decided to stay the night, below Laurens lock. Tashi reconnected with 'her inner dog self' and went off exploring the canal bank sides. But she did keep looking back to make sure we hadn't set off without her! The next morning we went up through the triple lock, but the wind was so strong, and it took such a lot of hard work to hold the boat in position, even using the engine, that we decided to stop until it was calmer. Unfortunately this was under trees, and just before we left a huge dead branch from an overhanging tree crashed down onto us, and split our bimini in half. Half an hour later and we wouldnt have been there. Isn't hindsight an annoying thing!
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| Laurens lock, le Fort |
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| Ecluse Renneville |
In the orchard behind our mooring there were both red and white acacia trees. I've never seen red ones before. I bet when the property was occupied there were bee hives in the orchard.
During my walks along the canal at Renneville I found several different types of wild orchids, a rare treat.
The locals did their best to keep us amused while we moored at Renneville.
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| A very sociable, sociable! |
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Film set using the canal at Ecluse la Planque
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| Trying to find some shade, on a VERY HOT day! |
Back in Castelnaudary it was time for visitors. Cor and Mieneke came down from Briare, and took time from their tours to visit us.
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| Tashi, looking good, on her 10th Birthday! |
Next to pass through Castel were Charles and Pamela on their boat
Xenia.
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| Dinner onboard Xenia |
Lovely to see them, but sad to think that as they are on their way back to the Uk, this may be the last time we meet.
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| Xenia leaving Castelnaudary |
