Week 15
Saturday 3 November 2007
Saw an English cruiser go past called “Cliffhanga” and later Alan showed us an article in the Practical Boat Owner about this particular boat and how it had hit a car which had sunk to the bottom of the canal and caused a huge amount of damage to his boat. Went to the local shops and had a wander and Darryl bought Christine some lovely brown leather boots for her birthday ….although she may have to convince him to let her have them early as the job in the Alps starts 4 days before her birthday and she might need them!!!! Called in to see Alan on the way back (about 6.00 pm) and he invited us in for a cuppa …. which was then followed by a beer, some wine and some Champagne he had been given for his birthday yesterday … we got back to our boat about 11.00 pm, a little worse for wear but having had a good time.
Sunday 4 2007
We both felt surprising well this morning considering our alcohol consumption last night! Darryl dived in the canal to give Alan’s propeller a clean for him whilst Christine lazed in the sunshine. Alan joined us later for a drink of some homemade Sangria.
Monday 5 November 2007
Darryl went to the boat shop again to get the bits we had ordered but they had still not arrived so he asked for his engine part back. He later cycled to Sete and a very helpful lady in the Tourist Information Office managed to find him a man who could help him fit the new bit to the engine part … and did not make a charge – what a gentleman!! Christine spent a very lazy day on the boat and read a whole book – how lazy?!
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Darryl spent the morning putting the engine back together and discovered that the local boat shop had taken apart a bit that really did not need to have been taken apart … but at least we will know for next time …. and it works now! Spent the afternoon lazing in the sun … this really is the life!
Wednesday 7 November 2007
The wind has got up again so decided to stay put in Frontignan until it dies down again. Another lazy day!
Thursday 8 November 2007
Up early and cycled to Meze, a Greek style village about 15km away round the other side of the Etang du Thau. Passed through the Muscat wine region which looked really pretty with all the autumn colours. Passed a very posh sweet factory and watched some men making lollipops. In Meze there was a local market on so we wandered round and Darryl bought Christine another birthday present … a new watch as she does not have one and when she starts work it would be a good idea for her to arrive for her shifts on time!! Also bought some lovely olive and sun dried tomato paste and a fresh baguette and had a picnic on the beach. Meze is a very pretty little fishing village although it did not look very Greek to us! On the way back we cycled around the Etang and saw lots of flamingoes really close up. Also cycled to the Oyster farm and saw all the oysters being brought in and washed and sorted – there were thousands of them – apparently there are 20,000 tonnes of oysters farmed from the Etang every year. Cycled back through a village called Bouzigues which was really pretty with a tiny little marina and lots of seafood restaurants along the promenade. Stopped at an enormous Carrefours and stocked up on a few supplies. Got back just before it got dark. Watched Bridget Jones’ Diary on DVD – FAB film!
Friday 9 November 2007
The wind has got really strong now so definitely not going anywhere today so had a lazy day on the boat …… starting to get a little worried about this “work” thing after all this lazing around!! Watched Love Actually on DVD … another great Hugh Grant movie!
Saturday 10 November 2007
Went to the local market and got lots of fruit and veg – it is amazingly good value! Virtually every meat and cheese stall had samples for you to try .. so we did ..lots of lovely cheeses, sausages and pates – yum! In the afternoon gave the boat a bit of a clean as the high winds had covered it in dust and leaves. Christine made Darryl endure “The Sound of Music” DVD but he managed to escape …… by falling asleep halfway through!!
Sunday 11 November 2007
Another windy day ….. apparently the Mistral wind comes is 3, 5 and 9 day stints so hopefully it will blow over soon! Went out to get fresh bread and cheese and saw the people getting ready for the Armistice Day parade in all their finery. Aunty Gilly and Uncle Peter came to visit which was lovely – great to see them and catch up … had a lovely afternoon of chatting, eating and drinking some lovely rose wine from the Corbieres region near Carcassone where Aunty Gilly and Uncle Peter have a villa. They very kindly agreed to take home some of our belongings that we will not be needing for the next part of our trip to free up some cupboard space!
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