If only I could bottle the summertime memories!
The
delicious shade under the trees in 40+ degree temperatures; lazy evenings spent
in conversation with friends on the canal bank; summer markets, bustling with
activity; sampling local delicacies and superb wine that we know is grown on neighbouring vines; dancing under the stars at the night markets; revisiting history in the
medieval Bastide villages; exploring the countryside in the areas of Aquitaine
and the Dordogne and the varying magnificences of the abounding chateau and
castles.
If only!
Bees Knees
wintered (2012) in the Port of Castelnaudary, home of the renowned savoury French dish called
Cassoulet. (Not that exciting, believe me!) Also home of the French Foreign Legion,
who still wear those fabulous dress uniforms and look like film stars. (Much
more exciting! I remember Beau Geste.)
Like many other barges at the end of summer, we chugged quietly along the canal, all leisurly making way towards our various winter residences.
We were assisted in the uphill stretch of canal towards Toulouse (the apex of the Canal Deux Mers) by our stalwart friends Fiona and Chris, who once again flew in on one of those conveniently low price flights from the UK, on their way to Malaysia, where they had left their yacht for a few months.
We duly arrived to take up our pre-booked space in the port in October, and settled in for the five winter months, under the watchful eye and the friendly efficiency of the Port Captain, Odille. Contrary to expectations the high winds that can on occasion thrash down the waterway rarely materialized; we had hardly a touch of frost - and no frozen water! Sunshine and balmy weather turned out to be quite normal.
Going uphill is only a little more strenuous than downhill because somebody generally has to jump off the boat to manage opening the locks. A couple can certainly manage, (we did it all on the way from Holland - up and down all the time!) it's just a lot more fun when friends are around. We four took it in turns to pedal along the canal bank between the bridges and lock gates, and alternated driving the barge by just watching the world drift by.
ANNA is a 27 meter barge that moors up close to us in Caumont, and Annie and Mark, together with their two lively dogs chugged away in the glory of Autumn sunshine and russet leaves - towards their winter mooring,. Quite by chance they had also booked a space at Castelnaudar.
Countless small celebrations came and went in the Port over those winter months. We met new friends, cemented older friendships, and generally enjoyed much that the little town and the surrounding countryside had to offer. We all enjoyed plenty of laughs and many fine meals together, banishing any winter blues before they arose.
Like many other barges at the end of summer, we chugged quietly along the canal, all leisurly making way towards our various winter residences.
We were assisted in the uphill stretch of canal towards Toulouse (the apex of the Canal Deux Mers) by our stalwart friends Fiona and Chris, who once again flew in on one of those conveniently low price flights from the UK, on their way to Malaysia, where they had left their yacht for a few months.
We duly arrived to take up our pre-booked space in the port in October, and settled in for the five winter months, under the watchful eye and the friendly efficiency of the Port Captain, Odille. Contrary to expectations the high winds that can on occasion thrash down the waterway rarely materialized; we had hardly a touch of frost - and no frozen water! Sunshine and balmy weather turned out to be quite normal.
Going uphill is only a little more strenuous than downhill because somebody generally has to jump off the boat to manage opening the locks. A couple can certainly manage, (we did it all on the way from Holland - up and down all the time!) it's just a lot more fun when friends are around. We four took it in turns to pedal along the canal bank between the bridges and lock gates, and alternated driving the barge by just watching the world drift by.
ANNA is a 27 meter barge that moors up close to us in Caumont, and Annie and Mark, together with their two lively dogs chugged away in the glory of Autumn sunshine and russet leaves - towards their winter mooring,. Quite by chance they had also booked a space at Castelnaudar.
Countless small celebrations came and went in the Port over those winter months. We met new friends, cemented older friendships, and generally enjoyed much that the little town and the surrounding countryside had to offer. We all enjoyed plenty of laughs and many fine meals together, banishing any winter blues before they arose.
We visited Cathar
country, where knights of old fought in the crusades, and marvelled at the
ruins of huge castles built high on jagged rocky outcrops.
There was excellent skiing in the Principality of Andorra, with lots of snow and a great many well developed runs of various skill levels, making it very popular. We found it easy to get to in just a couple of hours by car, and it is about the same from the airport in Toulouse.The miniature country is also a duty free area, so many comodities such a liquor, cigarettes and petrol are sought after.
Although I personally didn't participate on the slopes, Nick had a great time snow boarding while I reveled in the glorious sunshine in one of the many convenient cafes high up on the slopes.
There was excellent skiing in the Principality of Andorra, with lots of snow and a great many well developed runs of various skill levels, making it very popular. We found it easy to get to in just a couple of hours by car, and it is about the same from the airport in Toulouse.The miniature country is also a duty free area, so many comodities such a liquor, cigarettes and petrol are sought after.
Although I personally didn't participate on the slopes, Nick had a great time snow boarding while I reveled in the glorious sunshine in one of the many convenient cafes high up on the slopes.
Other friends also enjoy their family skiing trips in
the French Pyrenees, which may not be tax free, but is also very enjoyable.
Sand and sunshine were always welcomed when we made the occasional foray to the coast, visiting Aigues du Mortes; the beaches of the Mediterranean near Agde and the Camargue area.
Friends Julie and Ron together with Stella and Stuart and their dog often accompaied us on these little outings.
Our walks along some of the very extensive hiking and biking trails in the foothills of the Pyrenees were varied and we enjoyed our expeditions. Mitzy the boxer dog really enjoyed these outings, always manging to remain well behaved as a good dog should.
Meanwhile, our prolonged conversations with the VNF (Les Voies Navigable de France) bore fruit at last and we finally acquired our "stationnement" on the canal near Caumont. This means we are technically able to stay one that mooring for up to five years, subject to a yearly renewal of the contract with the VNF. The cost is reasonable and we are making several good friends in the area, while still maintaining the ability to cast off and travel whenever we wish. It at least gives us a winter mooring, and complies with our boat insurance conditions.
In the Spring we took a car trip to the UK, visiting friends and relatives. The driving in the UK seemed quite strenuous as we were accustomed to much less traffic on the extraordinarily quiet back roads and far less congested main road in this area.
Northern Wales was particularly beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Fi and Chris. We admired the countryside close up with a couple of leisurely walks in the hills - again enjoying the sunshine - even if the temperatures were a little cooler than expected.
Friends and relatives welcomed us and we enjoyed catching up with the family news and views.
Sand and sunshine were always welcomed when we made the occasional foray to the coast, visiting Aigues du Mortes; the beaches of the Mediterranean near Agde and the Camargue area.
Friends Julie and Ron together with Stella and Stuart and their dog often accompaied us on these little outings.
Our walks along some of the very extensive hiking and biking trails in the foothills of the Pyrenees were varied and we enjoyed our expeditions. Mitzy the boxer dog really enjoyed these outings, always manging to remain well behaved as a good dog should.
Meanwhile, our prolonged conversations with the VNF (Les Voies Navigable de France) bore fruit at last and we finally acquired our "stationnement" on the canal near Caumont. This means we are technically able to stay one that mooring for up to five years, subject to a yearly renewal of the contract with the VNF. The cost is reasonable and we are making several good friends in the area, while still maintaining the ability to cast off and travel whenever we wish. It at least gives us a winter mooring, and complies with our boat insurance conditions.
In the Spring we took a car trip to the UK, visiting friends and relatives. The driving in the UK seemed quite strenuous as we were accustomed to much less traffic on the extraordinarily quiet back roads and far less congested main road in this area.
Northern Wales was particularly beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Fi and Chris. We admired the countryside close up with a couple of leisurely walks in the hills - again enjoying the sunshine - even if the temperatures were a little cooler than expected.
Friends and relatives welcomed us and we enjoyed catching up with the family news and views.
lovely house |
cooking hams |
Moules and frites at the market |
Artichoke |
Baskets galore |
Friends visiting from Down Under |
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