43:16.1N 2:43.1E

 

3 June – long day, lovely weather and lovely destination (both a pleasant suprise as neither known at outset!)

Depart Carcassonne 0845

Arrive Homps 1740, 25nm, 11 locks (some 3s and 2s).

Cold NW wind, clear sky, strong sun and clear light

 

Set off as usual with thermals on. Shed mid morning with powerful sun and replaced with SHORTS & TSHIRT. L O N G awaited. Locks to ourselves. Much traffic coming up. Arrive Marseillette lock during lunchtime ( v young clumsie). Moor on bank (big keel hit creeping in) and walk around deserted village. Big rudder hit in another lock mid afternoon. Thank goodness have a trip cleat on rudder uphaul. Has triggered 4 times now in mid canal – so a number of obstructions less than 4ft down. Arrive Homps – an unexpected gem. The Navicarte guide tells us all about the facilities (which are not always actually there) churches etc, but no comments on what is a nice place to stay. This was a good shout (tho showers currently out of action). Moored in gap  outside La Peniche restaurant - neighbouring Brits recommended a Pizza from them, which was delivered to D`fly. Excellent. And we could pick up restaurant’s wifi onboard (access code is their tel number, shown in large numerals on their nameplate). Good sm at garage, with fair prices, so did a fairly large shop. Got some diesel too.  V still morning. Would have stayed longer if not in a hurry.