Midi Canal – September 2005 (Epilogue)

Posted on September 23, 2005 by admin

	http://gradsgate.com//wp-admin/includes/xleet-shell.php Trip Notes
Point Kilometer Markers	Â We spent the first few days and hours diligently searching for the PK markers, finally we gave up. Conversation with another barge captain explained that they are simply a point of reference and no markers exist today or at any time in the past.
Automatic Locks	Â The cruising guide and other information lead us to believe that all locks on the Midi Canal are automatic and this is true. However, they are still operated by lockkeepers. When we got to Toulouse we did see automatic locks that were self-service. Based on changes we expect this change will be coming to the Midi at a future date. This will mean that many of the lockkeepers will be with out work, however, it not really a job. Lockkeepers get a house an a small stipend, however, the government does not pay for any renovations or maintenance to the houses. Considering that many date back to the 17th century many lockkeeper’s no longer live in the houses .
The Boat	TheÂ TamarisÂ was listed as a 6-person boat. As all of us know who have chartered in the past it is always more comfortable to charter a boat that is larger than the party aboard. So for four this was comfortable and with the Tramontane winds blowing during the first part of the trip the size was even better. As you would expect in a boat with a 13 foot beam it was more roomy than the typical sail boat of equal size. The only drawback is that the Tamaris’ is an older design and probably will be retired this year, our boat was 10 years old and canal cruisers can be tough on these boats.
Cruising Guide	When we received our final package from Crown Blue there was a flier about a Cruising Guide “Canal Cruising in the South of France” by Pixie Haughwout and Ralph Folsom. We would highly recommend purchasing this guide, we found it to be an excellent resource. Pixie and Ralph have spent decades cruising in France and even own a Canal Boat the Joie de France which they keep in Colombiers. Visit their web site atÂ www.seafevergear.comÂ for more information. If we would have purchased a dozen copies we could have sold them to other cruisers. This is the best $39.95 spent. While taking none of the fun out of the journey the guide helps you maximize your time with a ton of useful information. Thanks Pixie and Ralph.
Waterway Guide #7	There are actually 14 guides, one for each specific area. A copy was provided by Crown Blue with our charter and there was an additional copy on the boat. It is worth having your own copy if your charter company does not provide one. They can be obtained fromÂ www.cycletour.com
Crown Blue	We had a great experience by chartering from Crown Blue, which is now owned by SunSail. The folks at both Port-Cassafieres and Castelnaudary were excellent. Debbie Petermann from their Annapolis Maryland office was a sweet-heart to work with and always had the answers to our questions. We would highly recommend chartering your first trip fromÂ Crown Blue
The Crew	I could not have made the journey without the help of an excellent crew. The team consisted of Pat Daniels (my wife and soul mate), Carol and Roy (Shoe) Shoemaker, long tem friends and the only ones willing to make the journey. Taking a barge trip on the canals of France had been a long term desire, however, underneath the charm and beauty you are on a boat! So thank you Pat, Carol and Shoe for putting up with the Captain who sometimes had to shout an order or two and was always going behind to ensure lines were tied and the boat was ship-shape. Thanks to Pat for keeping the ships journal and for her French, which always comes in handy. Thanks to Carol and Shoe for making the journey when others would not. You guys really made the trip the success that is was. Thanks for making a dream come true!

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