We arrived at the boat base to find we had rented a very big boat with all mod cons, even satellite TV!
As one who does not quite get why boats do not do things like cars this was fairly scary! We got past the initiation with the boat staff and set off in the direction with no locks ( I know how to protect my dignity!). The canal meandered for miles through the beautiful countryside with beautiful plane trees on either side. The experience is great and so relaxing, except for the wind! Ever tried getting a 40 ft boat onto a mooring or off the canal side with the wind blowing you in??
Every so often one would come to a little village with a nice restaurant or Cave to buy the local wine from the Languedoc and at night, just pull into the bank to moor up for the night. Of course every so often we came to a bridge. These bridges are so small that you have just a foot or so on each side and then just as you are going under you realise that actually your head is higher than the bridge!! Duck!!!
All in all a great holiday. The dog fell in once and disappeared under the boat ( we were stationary at time) and my poor wife fell flat on her face onto concrete and bruised ribs and twisted knee whilst trying to stave us off! Dangerous stuff!
There were many walkers and cyclists along the canal side and everybody was extremely friendly, even the fishermen, if you slowed down!
The boat got back without damage, which was a miracle!
It was sad to leave our temporary home but also a release from the stress!
Mr.L. 07/06/2012
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