43:35.7N 1:27.3E

 

28 May - wet start to skip’s birthday; super celebratory restaurant dinner in Toulouse

 

Depart Dieupentale 0815

Arrive Toulouse Port St Sauveur 1615, 24nm 12 locks (still going up)

Very wet start, stopped 1500ish, caught in downpour on way to the shower!

 

After a night with the trains wizzing by, early rise to don thermals and full wet gear, for bike ride to boulangerie Returned, Jane still in bunk, so cast off solo to get goin. Jane not pleased as no pre getting up cupotea. Taking locks port side to – with plank, buff and loads of fenders, but layout of bollards changed so Jane getting really good at quick  round turn and two half hitches  on bow and stern lines on the rails at the top of the vertical poles (that could be used to slide ropes up n down). Prefer to be tied on so can winch in the warps to keep tight to lock wall Under way big keel hit of presumed submerged log, even tho half up. Keep 3/4 up from now onwards.Three DEEP city centre locks controlled by one eclusier on cctv – one over 6m. No way can heave warps up to Jane so send her ashore with line to lower down. Down and outs sleeping under bridges – back to the real world. HM Silvianne most helpful (but no English). Personal mobile is 0033 ( 0) 683 291324. Reservations a must. Excellent facilities and security. V hot showers. Bliss. Highly recommend Bistrot de l`etoile (on Rue de Etoile!) HM will give directions. 3 course pdJ for 28euros – stunning.

 

29 May – sight seeing and oil change. Toulose gets an average 2027hrs of sun a year – we left having seen about 15 minutes worth!