31 May – we summit!

Depart port Lauragais 0830

Arrive Castlenaudry 1230 12nm, 1 up and 5 down (some double) locks

Set off in heavy rain, then becomes showers  and just cloudy from 1400

 

This is just like motoring thro Devon – the scenery (not the rain!). Rolling hills, reddish soil with lots of agriculture. Eclusier at second lock drove down to let us thro the third – but signalled crossed arms and drove off. Returned after 20 mins – yesterday’s eclusier had gone off with the key, so he had to get the spare. Summited from 0915 to 1015 – ie on the highest stretch being an altitude of 189.43m (above what I wonder!). Discover going down is so much easier. Enter lock (with Jane still on board as they are full!) come alongside and kill speed, Jane steps off to do bow line and I lassoo bollard with stern line. Jane gets back on board. Lines are led round bollards, so we just pay out as D`fly is lowered into the bowels of the lock to keep her tight alongside (and not crack end of mast on the concave wall), gates open, we pull thro the warp end and motor out. Virtually no turbulence so no need to take a turn. V friendly lady HM at Castlenaudry, excellent facilities, and we find tonight happens to be the annual get together of locals and boaties – bring your own grub and booze, and just have fun whilst the bands play. Quick walk about town. Loads of hairdressing salons – strange! Met a  German couple at the evening party – they are going the same way as us They trailed their boat to one end of the Midi (actually the Lateral), drove trailer to the other end, caught the train back and are doing a one way trip. Clever.