That's the canals done then. A lot less hectic and busy at the end than the beginning. It's easier going down, and there are fewer people and boats at this end (it's the Canal de la Garonne, rather the the Canal du Midi). We had a lovely stop in Toulouse - a beautiful city we thought, and one we could comfortably live in. And pleasant though the canal was, we've really seen enough plane trees for now
You don't really see a lot else - barring occasional otters (we always thought they needed clean water!), purple herons and towards the end, lots of kingfishers.
We're now on the Garonne river, just outside Bordeaux. It's spring tides and the flows in the river are impressive - about 5 knots either way, and about 10 minutes pause between the changes. The water is chocolate brown (mud we think/hope!). Occasional tree trunks passing give rise to some concerns. And the current makes parking interesting! Off to Pauillac today (when the tide turns) to find the mast, we hope. We plan to be there a few days to sort out before and after it's put up. Then we'll be a proper boat again!
Glad to know you are on schedule. Must be odd to have a tide again after all these weeks.
ReplyDeleteHope the mast is in fine fettle when you see it again (and the Radar hasn't been replaced by a couple of bricks in the housing); and that you can get it tensioned correctly.
Remember to have a glass of wine, reputely quite good around where you are staying!!! Try Cote de Blaye as the cheaper alternative to Bordeaux
Alistair
Extraordinary photo of the plane trees. The canal seems very full. It must wash over the sides as you aquaplane up the straight.
ReplyDeleteYour timekeepingt is impressive. Is it a coincidence that you are at the right place at the right time, or is it like rally driving where you hold back or accelerate to keep to plan?