We left Sarlat early and headed off towards le Somail to get our boat. Everything went well. We got there, checked in with Emily, ate lunch, got groceries, loaded the boat, got instructions and took a short test drive, and at about 5 PM headed on the canal towards to Beziers. The first stop was about 6 km away. The speed limit on the canal is 8 km/hr, but Emily told us that the best bet is to keep the speed between 4 and 5 km/hr.
It was a bit of adventure as we learned to drive the boat. There was a bit of zig zagging down the canal as we learned to steer a straight line.
The low hanging trees were a bit of an obstacle at one point. You can see Chuck and Jon ducking out of the way of the branches.
We finally got the hang of steering a straight line and began to enjoy the scenery. The canal is generally tree lined with big trees, (sycamores ?) with vineyards or fields on both sides. There is a path along the side which bikers and walkers use. Bikers can actually go significantly faster that the boat can.
The speed limit on the canal is 8 km/hr. Our instructor told us to keep the speed around 4-5 km/hr and things will be easier for us, especially on the first couple of days. The first suggested stop was Argeliers and
we covered the 6 km in about 90 minutes. Mooring was a bit of an adventure, but we got it done. We secured the boat, and headed for the restaurant near a bridge. Alas, it was fully booked to our surprise. We debated about making the 10 minutes walk to the village to find a restaurant, or just eating food we had on the boat. In the end, we decide to make the walk. We found a nice pizza restaurant, and after a nice supper headed back to the boat.
The walk back made the round trip worth it as the sunset was gorgeous. Fortunately, Caroline had her camera and got some spectacular shots of the sky.
One great thing about a boat trip is that it is impossible to hurry. In the morning, we need to run the motor for about 45 minutes to heat the water so we can shower. We have to find a water source to top off our water. And we need to do about 17 Km down the canal to our next overnight stop. That will take about 4 hours of cruising. So, the plan is to find water, cruise to a nice spot and have lunch, cruise to our mooring spot, and enjoy the afternoon and evening.
Pictures and details about the boat tomorrow.
By the way, after 3 days together, and one day on the boat, we are still friends. <grin>.
(Carol speaking) As we leisurely cruise down the canal, I work at slowing my mind and body down. I am use to 7 grandchildren keeping me on the go and loving every minute of it (church activities, band practice, etc.) Even if they aren't keeping me busy, I find something to keep me busy! So, slowing down is a quest for me. The scenery is beautiful as we pass by the vineyards and small villages. The further south we go the more the villages look Spanish and not so much French.
Jeanne and I got off the boat this morning and rode our bikes on the bike path that runs along the canal. I desperately needed exercise. I plan on doing that every morning while on the canal. It's either that or give up the delicious pastries and croissants!
