Our Location

(Click on the town names to see a map of the location)

	Some locks on this stretch are still operated manually. Ed decides he needs a free workout and volunteers to help.
	We wait for the end of the lunch break below the lock Guillermin. Following the advice of our teacher we leave rudder and screw in the deep and have enough trouble to get the bow free when the lock finally opens.
	The view from below the lock.
	What castle lies at the end of this alley?
	Nothing but relaxation until
	we get to the staircase below Castelnaudary. The last 4 locks of 15 that we climbed today. But after we emerge from the top lock we enter the basin of Castelnaudary. The view rewards us for the hard work of the day.
The basin was an important commercial port on the Canal du Midi. The trees on the left protected unloaded barges from the strong local mountain winds.
	Castelnaudary is the home of the Cassoulet, each restaurants advertises its home-made, original Cassoulet. Castelnaudary also hosts the barracks of the French foreign legion.
	The old port, no shade on the pier, but water (below) and water (on a tap close by). We decide to stay here for a while as we have all services close by and much to explore!
	It also means that there is enough time for another cooking lesson for Racine.