44:50.4N 0:33.8W

Saturday 4 July Convoy struggles through weed to last lock. Fast passage on ebb down Garonne to wonderful berth right in centre of Bordeaux  70k

Depart 0740 – can`t be late to lock out into Garonne on HW. 26degrees at 0800! Convoy of 4 as we struggle thro thick weed. Water level down at least a foot. Keel just 1ft down to give draught of 3ft, rudder angled at ¼ up. Much lifting of rudder and reversing to clear weed. Prop weeding up too. Looks like we will all be late. Last basin really clogged up (as it was on the way down May 2013). Sad to be leaving canal. Shame it was a bit of a dash again, but at least warm weather this time. Exit last lock into river 1210. Swift passage downstream. Remember crawl upstream hugging back to make headway against the floodwater two years ago.  Arrive Bordeaux.Turn upstream to crab in to pontoon on E bank shown in old pilot, but now all private and locked gates to prevent getting ashore. Boatman says middle of pontoon on opposite bank is OK. Crab across to Ponton Honeure.Tie up 1615. Very new. Ring Mayors office, but no one to collect fees as it is weekend. Get gate code from ferryman. Wow – we are right in the centre of Bordeaux, just below iconic Pont de Pierre. Fright when tide turns and swift current hits flat  transom. Stuff rag up exhaust to stop flooding. Loads of extra warps. Pretty hairy. Persuaded to go ashore and leave her be! Just about asleep when drums beating ashore. Get up to see fabulous dancers and band. Spectacular.