Alive and Afloat

We are now in Beziers, incredibly hot and i am joined by a flurry of huge dragonflies as I write. Across the canal is a floating beauty salon in an old peniche – I don’t think I have had a shower recently enough to risk any treatments. The town and old city is a hot steep walk or bike ride but well worthwhile, the leafy park of poets is a restful bird sanctuary with lakes and statues and a chateau at the top. There were an awful lot of cats too. There is also a small ginger cat living under the oleanders near the boat who quite likes duck bread.

Our first visitors this year were Simon and Jude who met us in Argens Minervois. We had delicious frogs legs in an outdoor restaurant. It was still still very stormy so it was to great to have a days respite before going on to Le Somail. And so much easier to manage the locks with more crew. A beautiful little town with an amazing hat museum, a pretty bridge and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. We turned off into Le Canal de la Robine which was quieter and edged with pine nut trees. We found a lovely place to stop in Sallele – d’Aude and ended up spending two nights there as there was a ‘greve’ – a strike! The post office was shut and so were the locks for a day. Fortunately it was a lovely place, we were able to buy ice and have lunch right on the canal. I biked out to a fruit and vege place and managed to resist buying an adorable rabbit – probably meant for the pot.

Next we travelled on to Narbonne, beautiful city with magnificent cathedral and extensive covered markets. We had a huge laundry session and a lovely meal with Gillian and Mireille before Simon and Jude set off for Barcelona.

Back up to the Canal du Midi, through Capstang to Colombiers. The staircase of ecluses down to Beziers is amazing and going through with a couple of hire boats needed all four of us with our wits about us. We have had some lovely walks and bike rides and were sad to say goodbye to Gillian and Mireille yesterday. Just waiting for the next crew to arrive! Colin and Val and daughter, Martha, will join us this afternoon and we will continue slowly towards Agde.