IAN'S VISIT

On Sep 4, our son Ian arrived in Paris and took a train to Narbonne, where we picked him up. He was to spend a short week with us, so we wanted to make the most of it. Our first few days with Ian we spent cruising from Le Somail to Poilhes under beautiful blue skies. Every meal was an event for Ian. Being a bachelor, for him a home cooked meal is something very special. Every morning he wanted to know what we were having for dinner, so he could look forward to it. I did my best to cook everything he likes, which is not difficult, since he eats everything!

Our cruising was leisurely and relaxed. The weather was perfect, and we stopped in some beautiful spots along the canal. Upon our return from Poilhes, we got something caught around our propeller. The boat could not reverse, and would barely advance. We decided to stay at the spot where it happened, about 7 Km from Le Somail, and for the last three days of Ian's visit, we did not cruise at all. We toured around the region by car, took Ian to some of our favorite towns and thoroughly enjoyed our son's company. For his birthday, he wanted me to make him a paella, so we chilled a bottle of champagne, cooked the paella outside and had a wonderful celebration on the boat.

Our friends Claudine and Michel from Carcassonne invited us for lunch at their house before Ian left. Claudine had an unbelievable spread on their patio, as she usually does, so we all had a wonderful time. The boy was happy. On September 12 we took Ian back to Narbonne where he took the train back to Paris. There he spent the night at his cousin Sylvia's and left for Los Angeles the following day. Our visit with our boy was short but sweet. Knowing that we would soon see him again for Thanksgiving, lessened the pain of his departure.

The day after Ian left, we limped back to Le Somail, where one of the young men from the Nicols base dove under the boat and after 45 minutes of work, was able to free from our propeller an enormous umbrella from the rival rental boat company. What a relief!





Sunrise on the Canal du Midi



My two boys at Fonserannes



Moules frites at Le Grau D'Agde



Cruising past Capestang



Our handsome boy



Aperitif time on deck



Wines and tapas in Narbonne



Ian's train to Paris

"There is something huge there!"

HOW TIME FLIES!

Part 4

A visit by David and Martha

Dave and Martha Dominguez are friends from California whom we had not seen since we moved to Shell Beach about 25 years ago. So it happened that David contacted our friends Skip and Jill to let them know they would be coming to France and would like to see us. We emailed back and forward several times, but every time I got a message from them the date of their arrival had changed. David had a lot of business to tend to, and I thought it might be very difficult, if not impossible to see them. They had planned the trip to celebrate their 25 wedding anniversary in Paris, where they had had their honeymoon.

The day Alex and Linda left, David and Martha arrived. The most shocking thing to me was that although it had been so long since we had seen them, they both looked exactly the same! Best thing, they are the same fun couple they always were. We were so excited to see them and had so much catching up to do!. They had made a reservation at a B&B near us, about a five minute ride from the port, so we were able to really spend time with them eating, drinking and exchanging stories. We wanted to take them out on the boat, so we went as far as Chateau Ventenac and back. It was not the prettiest day, the wind was blowing very hard, but we had a good outing anyway. In the evening, we stayed on Biesbosch and had a great dinner and very animated conversation. We hope to see David and Martha in California this winter and have them back with us on the boat sometime next year.




A few munchies with good friends



Aperitifs on deck

HOW TIME FLIES!

Part 3
Alex and Linda

Soon after Sylvia and Laurent's departure, our friends Alex and Linda came for a visit. They live in New York, and they had been in Barcelona and surroundings before coming to see us. The day they arrived in Le Somail, where they would be meeting us, we were in Narbonne. It should have not taken us more than 3 hours to come up the cnal de la Robine, but there was a lot of traffic that day and the locks were slow. We got to our destination in the middle of the afternoon to find Alex and Linda already there. It was so good to see them again! They had been to Cambrai to see us before the boat was inhabitable, so they saw it under construction. Two years ago, Linda and her sister Dianne, came to visit when we were on the Nivernais. This time Alex got a chance to travel on Biesbosch and even went down a lock so he could have the experience. Although their visit was short, it was a wonderful experience for all of us. They were such wonderful guests and so easygoing! Linda and I had a chance to do a lot of catching up and Bill and Alex got to know each other better and to find out they have a lot in common. As usual, we did a lot of good eating, and Alex cooked a wonderful pasta dinner for us one evening. As usual, we were sad to see them go, but we look forward to getting together with them soon whether in New York, Miami or back on Biesbosch.




On the dock at Le Somail



A Natural



One of our favorite spots on The Midi



Just love them.



Notice the coypu among the ducks ( lower right )

HOW TIME FLIES!

Part 2
A WONDERFUL WEEK WITH SYLVIA AND LAURENT


Three days after our friend Ken left, my niece, Sylvia and her husband Laurent came to spend a week with us on Biesbosch. We were so looking forward to their time with us, a time of relaxation, of "far niente" that they so much needed. As young parisians, they lead very stressful lives, so a week on the boat was the perfect way to get away from it all.

We picked them up at the train station in Narbonne on a very hot August day. It was lunch time, so we found a little brasserie near the station and had a quick lunch before we drove back to Le Somail were Biesbosch was waiting for them. The last time they had seen the boat was in Briare, in the Loire region for the Christmas celebration we had with the family. They had not seen the finished wheel house nor the new bathroom. They were soon settled and on a full vacation mode ready to enjoy every minute of it. They started by taking their books and sitting on the deck under the shade of the plane trees to read and enjoy the lazy life of the canal. Duck flocks are plentiful here, and they are a source of amusement as well.

The next day Laurent and Sylvia needed some cash, and in view that the little hamlet of Le Somail dos not have an ATM, they decided to take the bicycles to Argeliers, the closest village, and the one we were told would have a bank. I fixed them a picnic lunch, and off they went. The ride is very beautiful along the tow path, so they took their time and stopped to enjoy their lunch somewhere along the way. When they came back a few hours later, they arrived empty-handed. Not only was there no bank, but the entire town was closed. They waited until past two o'clock and they say they never saw a human being. This, we have observed is not uncommon in the hot summers here in France and also in Spain. It seems like between noon and four or five in the afternoon, everyone retrieves to their homes. All shutters are closed and not a soul is seen on the street, except for the occasional cat napping under a parked car.

During the time that they were here, we had some lovely meals on board, sometimes cooked outside in the barbecue and accompanied by great chilled rosé wine from the region. In The South, people prefer a chilled rosé over any other wine. So in Rome, do as the Romans do. . .

We moved from Le Somail the next day past the Canal de Jonction, direction Poilhes under the bluest of skies and a gentle breeze. For Sylvia and Laurent, this was the ultimate relaxation. We arrived at the lovely village of Poilhes and moored the boat just past the bridge below the Tour Sarracine, a restaurant where we had eaten with my brother and his wife a couple of years ago.
After lunch,we all drifted off into a pleasant nap which was rudely interrupted by a loud bump at the rear of the boat. A rental boat had suddenly hit us while trying to tie up behind us. Needless to say, after such rude awakening we all went out to asses the situation. Their boat had broken our flag pole and our flag was floating on the water! The people did not as much say they were sorry, reason for which we all go upset. Bill demanded they pay him 30 euros for the replacement, and they were very reluctant to do it. They took what was left of the flag pole with flag and all, gave Bill the money, but Bill insisted upon getting the flag back. Since they refused to return it, Bill walked over to their boat and took their boat hook. This, he believed would then be a fair trade. Two of the men started pulling on the hook and ready to have a fist fight, when I said: "I am going to call the police" and then walked to get my phone. Immediately, they gave us the flag back and "sugar would not melt in their mouth." It was very obvious that they were all drunk and did not want the police involved. You really have to watch some of these rental boats. Many of the people start drinking from the moment they get on the boat and you can see them in the distance zig-zagging along, getting in the way and causing problems.

After this very upsetting incident we decided to put it behind us and continue to relax. We walked around the town, found a little market where we bought some drinks and went back to the boat. This time we would be going back to Capestang where we would be arriving before dinner. An interesting thing we have noticed about these canals, is that no matter how many times you repeat the same area, it is always different. The light changes, the direction of the wind, the colors, all seems totally new every time.

We arrived in Capestang and moored before the bridge, a very convenient spot near the access path into the town. We walked into town and went straight to a little Italian restaurant in front of the square where we had eaten before, and where pizzas are very good. The place was full and the woman told us they could not serve us, "desolée." Laurent then asked if twe could come later on after a table would be freed, so she gave us the specific hour of 9: 10 PM, " no later than that." That gave them time to walk around the town and explore and at ten after, sharp, we were directed to a table in their lovely patio where we had a delicious dinner and some very good wine.

The next day we had a leisurely breakfast and a late lunch, and we continued on to our favorite mooring spot, the one where we took Ken on the highest spot on the canal with the view of the Collegiale in the distance. We made it there at sunset, had our appéritif on deck and then I made a great dinner which we enjoyed by candlelight and good conversation.

On the way back from Capestang we made a left turn onto the Canal de Jonction, where almost immediately one finds the first lock. For this canal, Laurent got off at the waiting pontoon before each lock, worked the mechanism and helped us tie up the boat in the locks. He is quite a natural with the ropes, having spent a lot of time on boats in his native Brittany, when he was a child.

There are five locks before you get to the town of Salleles D'Aude, just past Amphorallis, a Roman amphora factory from the III century AC. We arrived in Salleles and tied the boat on the left bank of the canal, just accross from the Quilt Museum. There was no electricity available, so just like the prior night, we would be using our generator, which thankfully is extremely quiet. Sylvia and Laurent went out for a walk to explore the lovely town, which has lgreat architecture, and as we remarked, a lot of beautiful houses, many of them for sale.

We had dinner and retired for the night and after breakfast we sailed off direction Narbonne. The second lock after Salleles, used to be a double one, now made single, a beautiful work of engineering. After this lock, you get to navigate the river Aude for about a kilometer and you have to watch the channel no to get too close to the weir on the left bank. Soon after, the lock of Moussoulens iisthen the start of the Canal de la Robine, which after Narbonne takes you all the way out to Port la Nouvelle on the Meditteranean.

As soon as we entered this canal, we noticed how low the water level was. The boat gets difficult to handle and it drags bottom in areas. At about km. 4 and just at the point where there is a rather large inlet for an irrigation canal, the boat was pulled by the current of this canal and turned its rear into it on a mount of silt and we were stuck!! Bill could not get it to move at all! Luckily, we were close enough to the bank, so that Sylvia, Laurent and I were able to get ropes from the bow and stern ant tie them up to an ancient bollard we found in a very strategic place.

I walked to the lock and told the lock keeper our problem. He did not seem surprised, since this probably happens often. He told me to wait about 10 minutes. He was going to close the flood gate for the irrigation canal, which would not only stop the current from pushing us farther, but it would raise the water level so we could continue. Said and done! Bill was able to get the boat afloat and by the time we made the lock, there were some people from the VNF (canal maintenance people) waiting at the lock in case we would have to be towed. We gave the lock keeper a couple of beers, which he was delighted to get, and said good bye.

The trip to Narbonne on The Robine, is only 10 km. long to the main port. The entrance to the city is very beautiful, all bridges decorated with colorful flowers. As you enter the town you go under the very low Merchant's Bridge, one of the few left in France lined with houses. The arch you go under is the ancient arch which carried the Via Domitia, a Roman road built over the Aude River. At the time of the Romans, the River went through Narbonne, but changed its course in The Middle Ages. We arrived at the port in the very middle of town and across from the covered market, one of the prettiest in France. After resting a while, Sylvia and Laurent went into town to explore a bit and returned just in time to have an appéritif. We had made reservations at a restaurant on the Rue Droite. The restaurant specialized in meats grilled on hot stones and other local specialties, so after our drinks, we changed and walked to it. We were seated outside in the shade, on a cobble stoned street, on a cool night and great service. The food was excellent, as was the wine, and of course the best, the company of my dear niece and her wonderful husband. This was to be their last night wit us, since the next day they would be taking the 4:30 PM train to Paris.

The last day of their stay, Sylvia and Laurent decided to take a bike ride along the Voie Verte, a beautiful bike path that takes you between the Etang de Bages and the Etang de l'Aryolles, all the way to the Mediterranean. It was a very hot day, so I packed a lunch with drinks for them and off they went. Bill and I went to the market and did some work around the boat and decided to move it away from the center of town by the hire Le Boat base. When Laurent and Sylvia returned from their little adventure, they met us there, had time to change, so we all walked to the train station to drop them off. Saying good bye to them was very hard for me. I so loved having seeing them relaxed, that I guess I hated to think they would soon be back to working, and I just wanted for her vacation to last forever.


Busy in the kitchen

Going to Argelliers

Grilling by the side of the canal

Biesbosch at Le Somail

Leaving Le Somail

Chilling on the deck

It doesn't get any better.

Mooring at Poilhes.

Navigating on the River Aude.

Canal de La Robine

In Narbonne

Merchants Bridge, Narbonne.

Sylvia and Laure and special couple.

HOW TIME FLIES!

Part 1
Ken's Visit

As I sit to write this entry, it dawns on me that it is August 31 already. The grapes are being harvested in many of the vineyards around us, sometimes during the night, process which will go on perhaps until late September or early October, depending on the grape and vineyard.

This last month has been a fun filled month for us. At the end of July, and soon after we put the boat in the water, we sailed it back to The Midi and met our friend and artist Ken Christensen in Beziers. He arrived late one afternoon and we met him at the train station where he was coming from Paris. Ken had lived in The South of France for 8 years and wanted to take a leisurely trip to do some painting. Although we had some very hot days while he was here, we managed to spend time in Beziers, a city he did not know, but instantly liked. It has the southern flavor of The Midi, and its architecture, unique light and ambience add to its charm. We managed to play boules by the canal one evening, something we had done with him and his family in St. Tropez two years before. We had such fun! I had to do some bank business the next day, so we all went into town and after my trip to the bank walked over to the Beautiful Cathedral and square that sit strategically overlooking the Orb River and its valley below. While Bill and I toured the Cathedral, Ken scouted out scenes he could paint and soon found the perfect spot on the wall where he sat and reproduced a stunning view of the tile roofed houses that filed below his feet.

When he was finished we decided to go back to the Avenue Paul Riquet, a tree lined and shady street full of restaurants and cafés. It was lunch time, we were hungry, so we chose one that appealed to all and had a lovely lunch. Ken wanted to do some more street painting, so he stayed in town, Bill and I did some shopping before returning to the boat and decided to spend one more night in Beziers to give Ken the chance to enjoy the city.

The next day after a nice breakfast, we set off in the direction of Capestang and had a superb trip down a most beautiful area of the canal. It was hot, but the shade from the plane trees and the gentle breeze about us cooled things down considerably. We stopped the boat for a short lunch along the canal and continued on to Capestang. Ken wanted to go to the Tourist Office in the port to inquire about trains to Paris. The two ladies at the tourist office were most helpful. They told us to come back in an hour, when they would have a printed schedule for him. We walked into the town, bought some bread at the local bakery on the square and went back to the Tourist Office. They had a display of local wines, so Ken bought a bottle of Minervois, picked up his schedule and said good bye. We wanted to spend the night beyond Capestang at a very high point in the canal where the Huge Collegiale can be seen in the distance and the vineyards glisten in the valley below. We got to the right spot too early, and the sun was still high in the sky. There was no shade yet provided by the plane trees, so we went beyond for a few kilometers and slowly made our way back to our favorite spot. Although the trees were not shading the boat entirely, soon they did.

We all had our cool aperitifs, and while I prepared dinner, Ken sat by the tow path, sketch book and watercolors in hand to produce an exquisite painting of Biesbosch.

One thing I love to do while I cook is listen to music, and when we are moored in a gorgeous spot with beautiful music in the background, I am invaded by such a feeling of freedom . For some reason, if I cook with music, my creative juices flow and I can concoct some wonderful dishes in the kitchen. Every dinner with friends and family is an experience we love to share. Good wine and conversation added to it make the perfect shared moment.
We had some wonderful meals with all of our guests this summer, and I so enjoyed all of them!

The following day after breakfast, we continued westward towards Le Somail, a charming little hamlet on the canal, and a favorite of Bill's and mine. It has a small bridge with a chapel attached to it on one side and on the other an ivy covered stone house, now a Bed and Breakfast, small terraces on both sides and a most interesting bookshop where collectors come from all over to look for first editions and other esoteric books.

We arrived around 1:30 and left the boat in search of a nice restaurant where we could have a good lunch. As we sat on one of the terraces on the edge of the canal and ordered a drink, the young waitress did not seem very happy with our order. We looked at the menu, which did not appeal to any of us and decided we would only have a drink. When she came back to get our order, we told her we were not going to eat, so she asked if it was because of her. She knew she had not been nice at all. We assured her it was not her, and she broke down and told us she was very upset because she had lost her dog two days before and could not find it. We asked for her telephone number so we could call her in case we saw it along the canal somewhere. We crossed the bridge and went to the other side to look at the menu of the O a la Bouche Restaurant. It had a very appealing menu, the setting was perfect and the dishes they were bringing out of the kitchen were beautiful. This lunch turned out to be a fabulous experience in every sense. We sat there for over two hours eating and drinking and after Bill and I left, Ken stayed at the very spot so he could do some more painting.

The next day Ken was to leave in the afternoon, but there was a market and sort of art fair in town and we did not want to miss it. There were vendors of all types, artists, book sellers, jewelry makers, wine tasting, hams, sausages, cheeses, etc. It was a fabulous little event at a very small scale. I had bought some great cured ham and cheese, so before Ken left, I made him a big sandwich for the train trip back to Paris. A taxi came to pick him up to take him to Narbonne, we said good bye, and vowed to see each other when we are in California this coming winter. We were very glad to share with Ken the beautiful experiences we get to live every day of this new life that we have chosen.




BBQ at the port in Beziers.

Ken sketching in Beziers.

The Pont Canal with Beziers Cathedral in background.

Captain and First Mate taking a break.

Ken at the 8 locks of Fonserannes

Interesting view on the Canal du Midi.


Entering the Malpas Tunnel.


Ken sketching with Capestang Collegiale in background.


Ken at the helm.


Entering Le Somail.

AT THE SHIPYARD IN LE GRAU D'AGDE

It is interesting how a situation that has all the potential to be negative and unpleasant can be just the opposite. That is the case with our experience at the CHANTIER ALLEMAND. Despite the dust, the noise and the wind, being there for over a month, was a memorable experience for us. The shipyard is run by the Allemand family, each of them having an expertise and the good will and knowledge to pass on to heir customers. They make you feel welcome and at home. Mr. Allemand, the founder who is in his eighties is here everyday working on models for future boats and airplanes and checking out what people are doing. His wife and three daughters are in the office and store, and his son, Henri drives the cranes and heavy machinery with the expertise of a magician. I often found myself watching for hours how he took a boat out of the water, drove it across the street and placed it in the spot he had chosen for it without missing a beat. I have never seen anyone work so hard, always with a smile on his face, whistling a song.

The same day Biesbosch came out of the water, Bill washed the bottom with a pressure washer to take all of the fouling that had suck to it after 5 years in the water. The anodes were somewhat spent, but the bottom looked quite healthy. Bill had an inspector come to do a survey on the steel plating in case we would have to re plate areas. The very center of the hull from front to back has the original plating since 1927, so we thought we might have to replace it. After a "hammer" test and an electronic "thickness" test, we were told that our hull was in excellent condition, which gave Bill enormous relief.

PARIS

My sister Ines was in Paris visiting my niece, Sylvia so in view that I could do very little to help Bill with any work, I decided to go to Paris to visit them. Despite some discomfort with my back and the fact that I had to go see a doctor while in Paris, her treatment proved to be very effective, and three weeks later my back has improved tremendously. My niece was presenting her Warmi 2010 summer collection at the salon called UNDER LE LOUVRE. It was held at The Carrousel du Louvre, so there was a lot of work to be done. I got to Paris the day before the opening and was able to help a bit with the translation of the Press Release, but not much else.
Sylvia's display was beautiful. I was so proud to see her there among some of the most recognized names in fashion. She was able to make some contacts, reason for the salon, so she was very pleased, as well.

After the Salon, my sister and I were able to spend time together walking about Paris and enjoying each other's company. We went to The Orangerie to see Monet's Water Lilies and the private collection under the ground floor, which is one of the most comprehensive for expressionists and impressionists I have ever seen. Sylvia took 2 days off, so we were able to spend time with her as well which made my stay in Paris very complete.

When I returned to the boat, Bill had already finished painting the hull and had replaced the anodes. It was a lot of work, especially due to the intense heat of the day and the windy conditions. Biesbosch is sitting very close to the road just across from the River Herault and about two blocks distance to The Mediterranean. July 5 was the day of St. Pierre, patron of the fishermen. They put on an incredible show both on Saturday and Sunday nights on the key at the fish processing plant. They had an orchestra with a guest trumpet player who was amazing. The singers and performers were on stage without a break from 9:30 PM until 2:00 AM. It was so entertaining, The Sunday morning, we were told the fishing boats would be going out to sea to leave flowers on the water in memory of the fishermen who died at sea. We asked if we could board a ship, so we went aboard Vnicenzo, which had a very young captain, and were able to experience a unique event which has been part of the history of this town for hundreds of years. There were about 20 boats with musicians, politicians, beauty queens, etc. It was colorful, but at the same time very emotional. The boats drop flowers in the water, light up flares and fireworks and then circle the area one after the other about ten times before returning to port. People dress in costumes and afterwards all have lunch together. It was a great paella accompanied by a good rosé wine.

On July 7, The Tour de France was passing by Agde on the way to Montpellier from Le Cap D'Agde. We walked to Agde and positioned ourselves near the bridge over the Herault getting there just as the caravans were arriving. As they go by, they toss freebies to the fans. We caught caps, balloons, bottle openers, magazines, etc. The cyclists were all in a group, so we were able to take just a few photos as they flashed by. The whole experience is very exciting. It is the fifth time we have been able to witness the Tour de France. On July 10 I took a train to go to Madrid.

MADRID, BARCELONA

My friend Maria Clara from school was presenting her second poetry book at the Casa de las Americas in Madrid as part of the many activities held in the city due to the Colombian Independence. I had promised her I would be there, so I stayed with our friend Elena with whom I saw so much more of Madrid. She has to be the very best guide one could have. She knows so much about the city and points out so many new things, that it is a true experience to walk around Madrid with her. We went to the Museo del Traje, a museum dedicated to fashion and its history. It is one of the best displays I have ever seen. I could have stayed there all day. What a treasure of a museum! The Prado held a retrospective on Sorolla, so we went to see it as well and that was incredible. His canvases are enormous, and nobody handles whites and light like he does. I thoroughly enjoyed that exhibit.

With Maria Clara and Humberto, we had dinner at the beautiful apartment they were renting in Madrid and got to meet her nephew and his wife. Elena and I had a great time there. They also invited me to an Anthology of Chapi's Zarzuelas at the Sabatini Gardens by the Royal Palace. It was an evening performance with the lit up palace as backdrop, absolutely breath taking. The music, the costumes and choreography were beautiful. Afterwards we went to the center of Madrid, to the famous San Ginés to have churros and chocolate.

The best part of my Madrid visit was Maria Clara's presentation of her book. She was somewhat nervous thinking there might have not been many people present. Madrid empties out during July and August, vacation time. Elena had invited 5 of her friends, and as it turned out the room, which seated about 100 people was completely full, and about 30 more people had to stand in the back. The format of the presentation was a casual conversation between the moderator, Plinio Apuleyo, a very well known writer and diplomat from Colombia and Maria Clara, my friend. They talked about her travels, love, family, etc. and she read a poem or two related to the topic. It was a true success. I was so pleased and proud of my dear friend who has accomplished so much in life. The evening before I left we went to a cocktail at the Colombian Embassy with all the people that had participated in the week's events, an ex president and various politicians, a typical cocktail where it is obvious that everyone present would rather be elsewhere.

With Elena and her friends we went to Bellas Artes to have a drink and then to the Bardemcilla, the Bardem family restaurant. It is a great little place decorated with photos and memorabilia of the family. The food is wonderful, traditional and delicious, so all and all, the experience was a full one. My friend Hortensia from California was in Madrid at the same time, but we were not able to talk until the night before I left. We met for breakfast early that morning. She took me to the train station, so we were able to spend some time together to catch up. She was in Madrid visiting her sons and had just come from a trip to England and Croatia. We hope to see them this coming winter in San Diego, California. I took the train to Barcelona where I would be meeting my friend Luz Maria and her son Sebastian who had been visiting our mutual friend Claudine in Carcassonne. They were there for July 14, the celebration of France's Independence and to see the firework display at The Cité. Bill was invited as well, so they enjoyed the experience together and even drove to Le Grau D'Agde to see Biesbosch. Luz Maria had seen it in Cambrai in 2005 while we were still working on it. Sebastian had never seen it, so they apparently were very impressed with Bill's work. In Barcelona I met Sebastian and Luz Maria at our great little hotel and accompanied them to Avis in town to return the car. Once free from the burden of a car in Barcelona, we were able to walk, takes buses and the Metro and to really see the city.

I had worked out a list of places to see in Barcelona, so we went to the Parc Güell, Gaudi's La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, walked along the Passeig de Gracia, The Ramblas, the Gothic quarter, the churches there, the Cathedral, The Picasso Museum,The Plaza Real, The Port, The Palau de la Musica, where Luz Maria and Sebastian went to a classical guitar concert . We had some great food in Barcelona and thoroughly enjoyed this amazing city.

BACK TO THE SHIPYARD

I arrived at the Beziers train station, where Bill was waiting for me. Upon our return to the boat it was already dark, so I was not able to see what he had done until the next day. Bill had painted the cabin and the decks, so the boat is now looking like new. I helped him with painting the winch and the flag pole, so all that is left is the roof which he is starting to paint today, a month after we arrived here. We will be putting the boat back in the water on Monday, July 27 when we will head back to the Canal du Midi and eventually the Canal de La Robine towards Narbonne. Our friend Ken Christensen from San Luis Obispo is in France and has called to let us know he will meet us next week. We are very much looking forward to his visit.

We will have great memories of this lovely little port with its fishing boats, wide beach and Mediterranean flavor. Needless to say we will return someday with or without Biesbosch.


Large fishing boates on The Herault River

Le Vieux Crabe

Biesbosch being pulled out of the water at Le Grau D'Agde

Allemand Shipyard

Young captain and firt mate of Vincenzo. The day of La St. Pierre

Going out to sea the day of La St. Pierre

The River meets The Mediterranean

After leaving flower offerings for fishermen dead at sea.

Oyster sellers in costume

Le tour de France, July 7 Agde

Might be Armstrong! (blue and turquoise on left)

Murals in Agde

Belly dancers in Agde

July 7 in Agde

Working on Biesbosch

The river and Med in background

Le Grau D'Agde's beach

Biesbosch with new paint being put back into the water 5 weeks later.