April 21st

We left le Somail in the morning and planned another day of cruising. But we departed the Canal du Midi at Port la Robine, and then we went on to the Canal de Jonction for 5km. This section was 'self service' locks. I had to get off and push buttons at a control panel. Fortunately, there is a button to call for help and they could speak English. Also this was the first day it was cloudy all day.

After the 5km, we entered and crossed the river, Aude. Then we entered the Canal de la Robine, going toward the Mediterranean Sea. We went as far as we could go! At Narbonne the canal closes at a bridge, Pont des Marchands. This bridge is one of the few in France that have houses covering it. But obviously there have been problems for some time as a very large I-beam has been added and supports it. At the end of this April (we were told) EVERYTHING has to be evacuated for work to be done on it. WOWZA!!! We parked our boat, at literally, the last place possible. Walked around some; did laundry; and ate (what we call) a French dinner; fruit, veggies, cheese, bread, and of course, le vin. During dinner instead of sunset, we were blessed to see bats flying around.