JULY 2017

On Wednesday 5th at 1.30am a man tried to steal our bikes from the back deck of our boat. They were not locked to the boat, but locked together. So he had to lift both bikes ashore. he must have been a strong man to lift both of them. Because one is a Dutch bike with a back wheel lock which stops the wheel from spinning, he had to drag them along the tow path, and damaged them, also in trying to break the locking device it was broken, but luckily for us not opened. The noise of him taking them ashore woke Ni who ran after him. The man dropped the bikes and ran away. So now we put the bikes inside every night, which is very inconvenient, but as one is an expensive electric bike, the best precaution.  We are now more inclined to shut every window and door. Whereas previously in this heat, we left the offside door ajar with the safety catch in place. I dont want to live in a fortress, but better to take precautions.

Its still festival time here with the 10th festival des sports traditionnels taking place on Saturday and Sunday 8/9th.  There were demonstrations, intiations and tournois; courses camarguaises, courses landaises, joutes languedociennes, palet gascon, quilles de 8, quilles au maillet, rames traditionnelles, tambourin, representing sports from both Occitanie and Catalanes.  Plus a procession from the centre of town to the stade by the side of the canal, where all the water sports were operating.

What on earth is this all about?!!!

June

What a very bizzare evening tonight in Castel. We went along to meet other bargees for our weekly Friday night gathering at the quayside Cave, only to find the owner sitting on his doorstep looking very dejected. "I'm closed" he told us, " but for you - I open". So he ushered/hustled us inside. Having been such a hot day we welcomed the coolness of the Cave. Then others came along two by two. All of us ushered inside and locked in. I've been to a 'Lock In' before, but never a 'Lock Out'. Eventually 14 of us gathered, bought wine and drank. The owner wasn't feeling well he informed us, but wouldnt disclose the nature of his demise.  Affairs of the heart we wondered, exetensialist angst, a very French disease? Perhaps we will never know. Whatever it was he was 'closed' for two days. In the meantime the chosen few, who were allowed to buy his wines came and went. For a cave that was closed he did very well this evening. One lady even purchased a whole case of wine!

My flowers are surviving the heatwave, with much watering from the canal, and additional plant feed!

 Our visitors chose the hottest days to visit us, and we all sweltered in the heat, as the bimini for the upper was not yet repaired!

Susie organised a picnic for the AVF members, and yes, it was another scorching hot day!

Hosted by Cax and Marion at their beautiful camping site, Les Armengauds

 Traditionally it its Fete Musique in France on 21st June, hence the town was alive with events all week long and many events were advertised for this festival week.

The peniche Tormente arrived in port and provided music and caller to give us a French version of country dancing!

Sally and Charles, on Bluegum, called in for two nights, on their way north. Sad to see them go, having spent three winters with or near them, and wonder if we will ever see them again. We walked to see them through the staircase lock.

Even Tashi looks sad at losing 'her' friend!

Well the much awaited Lacher de Lanternes never happened. We went to the Grand Bassin and waiting in anticipation, but were told it was 'abandonment'. It seems it was deemed to be too dangerous.  Definitely, as its SO DRY here and the wind was blowing quite strongly.  Plus the pompiers were having a party, with lots of food and drink available to all, so wouldnt want to be called away!  The music from their party blasted throughout the whole town, and we were warned that it would go on until the early hours of the morning.  It certainly looked spectacular with fireworks and strobe lights flashing through the trees.  So at 2am we closed all our windows and roof lights to blot out the noise. Luckily we did because IT RAINED, HALLELUJAH!!!!! (You won't here an English person say that very often about having rain.) At last, now it will be a bit cooler.

Pompiers Party

And final visit from our winter neighbours.

Wiestke' back!