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We finally leave Castelnaudary on our last leg up the
canal. We are getting close to the highest point. |
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I could have used this picture in a new quiz: Where is
the lock-keeper? Some locks are now operated by
a lock keeper with a remote-control. He can open/close doors and paddles
from a small box.
This lock-keeper wanted to escape the heat to stay
indoors (second floor right window). Here is technology at work: Swinging slowly
in a hammock, sipping on a tropical drink (or Kir) and operate the locks
using a wireless remote control .... |
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Our guests Peter and Jacqueline are great help. Peter
helps to open/close the heavy lock-doors. As contrast to the last (remote
controlled-automated lock) there are locks that are still manually operated.
No motors, just muscles! Jacqueline takes over
the stern ropes and does a great job at it (sorry I don't have a picture
showing her rope-work!)
Soon Betty and I can relax and let our guests do the
work.
|
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The lock `la Méditerranée' - the last lock on the
Mediterranean side of the canal du Midi, so the last `up' lock for us. From
the Etang the Thau we climed 189.43m (616 feet) using 72 locks organized in
47 groups of single locks or multi lock staircases. |
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After that climbing the crew is obviously exhausted and Jacqueline
and Peter need a rest in the shade. |
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Betty's herb garden, red and green basil among others,
bake in the sun. |
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An old warehouse on the canal. |
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The `bief de partage' or dividing pond. Water from the
feeder canal enters the Canal du Midi and has to decide to flow towards
Bordeaux and the Atlantic Ocean or towards Onglous and the
Mediterranean Sea. What a decision to make!
|
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The obelisk was built as memorial for Paul Riquet, the
architect of the Canal du Midi. |
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One of the big achievements of Riquet was the creation of
a reliable system of feeder canals. He decided to collect the water in the
Black Mountains and send it through an elaborate system towards the Narouze
pass. Usually the system works, but with this
years weather and lack of rainfall even the 320 year old system seems to
fail and the water level in the feeder canals is way below normal.
The old water marks in the picture show how much is
missing.
|
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May be this hand-pump could find some more water to feed
the canals? |
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The plane-tree alley is part of the park constructed as a
memorial for Riquet and the 40'000 workers. |
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The alley is surrounded by a small canal in the shape of
a pentagram. |
