Yenakiyeve 
Amersfoort Day Three Aboard Tamaris, Monday, September 19, 2005
From Colombiers to Argens-Minervois – 38 km/1 lock
Morning came, and so did the rain. It began about 5 AM, so we decided to lay along the quay until it stopped. It broke around 8:30 AM, we tried to take on water to replenish our supply, got some – but then the water cut off. We waited to try to fill up; however, pressure never came back up so we headed on at 9:30 AM.
View of the canal from one of its quaint stone bridges – the French do love their flowers!
View of the canal from one of its quaint stone bridges Рthe French do love their flowers!We stopped at Le Somail at PK 166 at 12:15 PM for lunch at the Caf̩ Normale. Le Somail is
Tamata, the floating grocery store, is moored along the bank of the canal in Le Somail.
home to a floating store, Tamata, a traditional barge stocked with bread, fruits, vegetables, regional products, etc. Unfortunately, it was closed. We were underway again at 2 PM with a quick stop at Ventenac-en-Minervois at PK 161 to visit Chateau Ventenac for a wine tasting (white, rose, and of course red) in a chateau right on the canal. Back aboard and off to Paraza to take on water for a 2 euro fee.
We continued on to Argens-Minervois where we stopped for the night at PK 151 in the shadow of a castle next to a playground and picnic tables. Naturally, we walked around the quiet, sleepy town before dinner. As recommended by the cruising guide, we dined at La Guinguette an outdoor restaurant adjacent to the canal and just a few feet from our boat. Dinner was wonderful!
With the morning’s rain still on the hatch, Tamaris pushes on up the canal searching for sunshine and clear skies.
