7th August Toulouse to Castelnaudary 71km (some 9km of that getting out of Toulouse)

Found the canal midi eventually in Toulouse then headed off. Nice cycling along. Shortly out of Toulouse popped into lovely barge which is a Salon du The. Co-operatively run, with volunteers doing a week at a time. lovely couple chatted to us, guiding my French and chatting in English too, so dave didn't feel left out. Had a real feel of the Gregson in Lancaster. Unfortunately they didn't do coffee so popped onto main road to cafe and saw signs for a Bricolage. The cooker by this time was a bit of a touchy subject as dave hadn't enjoyed the previous days experience of traipsing round shops in vain. however careful negotiation (lunch to fill the 45mins to opening time) allowed us to at last purchase the ultimate transportable on a bike cooker. With a bag  and everything!!!!! Seeing as this is our kitchen a needed purchase.

A more relaxed couple then continued along the Canal. All paved until Labastide D'Anjou and then it becomes more dirt track, so be warned future canal Midi cyclists, it is not voires verts all the way. Potentially this to the coast :/ Still managed to get to our destination, just in time. booked into Municipal campsite 9.50 euro (my kind of price). She warned us of impending rain so toute suite we got tent up, super fast cup of tea and mackerel pasta as we could see rain clouds heading our way. Kindly shelter was offered too, in the information room.

L'orage approached and actually not too strong but the wind was mental!!! We watched nervously as all the ropes were stretched and the side battered, but our petit tent withstood the attack. The wind only lasted about 15mins, then calm, really odd. Then with rain set in for evening, off to bed.

Need to apologise to Vicky and Dave, looking at blog its as if we just stayed in gite with the girls, no photos of them!!!! Send some to us guys and we will add to blog!!!

Gregson on the water

catalogue girl modelling latest in camping cuisine musts!!!

lessons in meteorology