Today was only going to be three locks, a couple of low bridges to look out for and 6km. Leaving Port l’embouchure there are three bridges. The one on the left being the one we came through last night (and turned right) The one of the right being Canal de Brienne, and the middle one being the one we needed.
As we approached the first lock there was no pole to turn, but the locks were activated as it turns out by the lockkeeper who has this area covered by cameras. The first lock was 2.6m and straightforward. The second lock was 4.5m and straightforward. The third one was 6.2m and, as it turns out not so straightforward, at least for me.
Approaching this lock under a bridge there is a strange sense of foreboding ( a bit of an exaggeration but it makes the point) I dropped Sara off at the stairs and entered the lock. I could only see one pole, but then saw a a bollard recessed into the wall which looked like it rose and fell so I put a slip line around this and then tried to get the bow line around the recessed pole, as per previous locks. Problem was the stern line was just a touch too short and I couldn’t reach to get the bow line round the pole. This meant changing the stern line for a longer one so that I could reach. Now all the time I’m looking at these not unsubstantial lock gates in front of me hoping that no one pressed the button, the consequences of which would have certainly spoiled my day. Sara went around to stand by the red button, which stops the process should anything go amiss.
When safely tied on, the locks activated (again via cameras) and thank goodness it was a gentle rise to the top of the lock, where guess what…….yep more folks down on their luck lining the lock. Sara came back on board and said the staircase where I dropped her off was stinking and full of old syringes etc!!! When exiting the lock there were more of these people “sleeping” on the grassy banks and others with their special brew. I’m sure this is not the image the city council would wish to portray – but it’s staring visitors in the face all the way from the outskirts of the city……………………………..the other reality is that with hindsight there was no need for Sara to get off the boat, and we would both recommend trusting the personnel monitoring and controlling the lock remotely.
Once through the lock we arrived at one of the low bridges, but made it through fine, and duly arrived at Port St Sauveur, where I tied up at the fuel pontoon. This port is run by “Sylvienne” whose reputation as a bit of a stickler is known all the way down the Canal Lateral, and she does not like boats turning up without previously making a reservation. Thus we had made our reservation, once we had sorted out the boys flights and knew we would be picking them up from Toulouse Airport.
She may be a stickler, but I tell you what the place is spotless and colourful with loads of plants and flowers, and seems like an oasis in a sea of misery. She could not have been nicer to us, and I guess her reputation is borne out of people not understanding the way she likes things done.
We visited the nearby Patisserie for breakfast food, followed by some food shopping, and then went into the city. Now as most folks know I’m not really a city person, but I have to say that it was beautiful in places and spotlessly clean. What a difference from our initial experience!! We have also spotted the VNF office which is open between 1000 – 1200 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and we will visit them tomorrow to buy our canal licence. This might seem strange as we have been in the canal since Castets-en-Dorthe, but this is the first opportunity for anyone travelling this way to purchase the licence……….
Anyhow here we are parked up with the boat all fuelled, provisioned, and ready and waiting to receive the “additional crew” who arrive on Saturday evening. If the boys are up to it we will be heading off into the lovely countryside on Sunday.
Here is photo of Port St Sauveur, and if you are ever travelling this way by boat, it is a well run, safe, secure and spotlessly clean port in the centre of Toulouse and recommended.
