September 12, 2022 This morning we traversed Canal de la Robine and Canal de Jonction before once again turning onto Canal du Midi. Once on Canal du Midi we have some 40 kilometers to sail on before encountering the set of locks.

Morning reflections.

It really is real.

Almost like entering another dimension.

It looks just as awesome on the return trip.

The day’s first duck.

Traveling a short distance on the Aude River.

What’s not to like about a trip on the canal.

Drydocked and refurbished. It looked like they were getting ready to refloat it today. Unfortunately we could stay a watch as we had miles to go before we sleep.

Traffic light at a lock.

This lock was so deep it had pipes for the lines.

How they work.

Proof you can teach new sailors old tricks.

The cleats on the four corners of the boat anchor the lines.

There are little things wrong the boat, this is one of them. The cleat was broken when we took rented of the boat. I makes it harder to tie off the line at times.

Our journey will take us beyond Beziers.

Grapes, grapes and more grapes along today’s route.

No people with baskets picking these grapes for wine..

Entrepreneur alongside the canal. Unfortunately we didn’t stop

Where you are sitting sometimes determines whether or not you need to duck.

Note the smashed grill on this boat.

Aqueduct and overflow with towpath from the late 1600’s.

.

Our stopping place for the night appears in the distance.

yes, it is the right place.

Our spot for the night. Note the direction we are facing versus the boat in front of us. So who is going the wrong way? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

This local winemaker was having a free tasting. I really liked his viognier, admitting it was better than the last one I made, though I think my first batch was just as good as his. Had to buy a bottle as the wife also really liked it, but most of it is mine to drink, babe.

Palm to face! I took a photo of the truck rather than the electric motorcycles they were displaying. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you’re an idiot.

Local beer before dinner.

Dessert. Unfortunately other than the 9 raw oysters for the appetizer, what came after that and before this dessert wasn’t nearly as good.. Can’t win them all.