September 2019

 A wonderful reason for a family celebration was the 25th wedding anniversary of Charo and Andy.

It seems so long ago!

Our friend Sue, made the heroic journey down from Uzes on her own, and staying at an hotel in Castelnaudary, we collected her each day, and took a welcome break from boat maintenance, and house hunting, to go sightseeing with her. As she arrived on Ni's birthday we all enjoyed a splendid evening meal at the Maison du Cassoulet in Castelnaudary.

Celebrating with Bubbly at Villsequelande

Beautiful big, ripe grapes at Villsequelande.

Mechanical grape picker

Co-op cave at Villesequelande in full production!

Leaving Villesequelande.

 As there was only one lock between here and Bram, we decided it would be a good idea for me to drive the car to the next lock, where I would meet Ni, help with roping up through it, then drive up to Bram. Here I would leave the car until we reached Villepinte. This broke the cycling journeys Ni had to make back to retrieve the car. I had wanted to do this, but it was decided that I would find it too difficult to lift the electric bike into the boot of the car. Shame, as I enjoyed cycling along, especially on the electric bike!!!
 

Peaceful mooring at Villepinte

Leaving to collect car from Villesequelande.

 We were beginning to feel quite emotional as we left each of these little villages we had come to know, and love so well. Knowing this was the last time we would take this canal journey we savoured each glorious day.  It felt very sad, but we knew that it had to be done. Each lock, or staircase of locks proved the point again that we found it hard and tiring work.

As I strolled around with Tashi that evening I enjoyed the light of the setting sun, clean air from the mountains, and calm of the evening on the canal.

Another quiet mooring at Ecluse Guerre

Ecluse Guerre

'My mountains' (The Pyrenees)

After having spent 4 years with these incredible mountains suddenly appearing, then disappearing as we followed the contour pattern of the Canal du Midi, I don't know if I could bear to ever be far away from them. They call me home. Must have been a mountain goat in a former life!

Ecluse Moulin Vivier at St.Martin Lalande

This was our last stop before going into Castelnaudary. Another of our favoured 'green bank' moorings. This one has no electricity points, nor water taps, so can't stay too long. Although we can manage for electricity with our solar panels, as long as the sun shines. But even with a full water tank the most we can manage is 3 to 4 weeks, and that's being very careful with every drop. So it's a last gasp into home port! The upside about this mooring is the lovely walks alongside the canal, and up through the apple orchards towards the main road to Bram. Because of these orchards the farm shop smells delicious when entered with all the different types of apples for sale. They also stock vegetables, honey, eggs and a variety of other goodies. So with that and the bread and wine at the moulin (mill) shop we are well supplied.
There is also a garden centre just a few yards down the road, which is handy for stocking up with flowers at the beginning of the season. They have such a variety and at a reasonable price, with very friendly, helpful staff.

There is a staircase of three locks here so it also provides good entertain to watch the hire boats negotiate entrance and decent, or ascent of the flight. Good value all round really here.

By the side of the lock there is a small fenced off garden area which at this time of the year is covered by a carpet of wild cyclamen.

Cyclamen.