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.

We stopped at Le Somail at PK 166 at 12:15 PM for lunch at the Café Normale. Le Somail is 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!