May 22, 2023
Castelnaudary - Carcassonne
We are hoping for a repeat of yesterday's good luck with the weather, but the rain gear is packed within easy reach. We start the day with a search for a bank. The lodging tonight wants to see cash. It's market day in Castelnaudary, the streets are clogged and it takes a while to work our way through the narrow streets and find an ATM. In the meantime it has started to drizzle.
The first kilometers are along the Canal du Midi, starting at Castelnaudary's Grand Bassin, created as part of the complicated system regulating the water level in the canals. Shortly our route takes us away from the canal onto country roads. Today we choose not to follow the canal all the way to Carcassonne. We have a beautiful zigzag wander over hill and dale, offering fabulous views over the plains of the Lauragais. If we could only have appreciated it. The early sprinkle turns into heavy rain, a challenge for any rain gear. Eventually water finds its way into any opening. Ugh. But the most disappointing part is that the beauty of our surroundings is lost on us.
The last ten kilometers of the day are again along the Canal du Midi, as that seemed the best route to approach our lodgings. I knew it wouldn't be paved but hoped for a comfortable hard packed surface. Hope is not a good strategy when planning. The surface is chunky loose gravel with plenty of big puddles. Ironically it stops raining and the sun comes out when there isn't much to see or take pictures of. I'm concentrating on the path.
Tomorrow will be our last day cycling in France. Will it be a wet one or a dry one?
Today's ride: 47 km (29 miles)
Total: 759 km (471 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 11 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 6 |
I’m so sorry! It would have been so nice to meet face to face, but we’re in Provence now on our own tour…
1 year ago
What a beautiful tour you are having -- very much enjoyed following along up to this point.
1 year ago