A leisurely walk, in light rain, along the Canal du Midi all the way into Toulouse. We soon came to the end of the holiday cruising section of the canal, and the end of the automatic locks. For a time, no pinochettes at all. Then suddenly, and for some kilometres as we entered Toulouse, a long line of old barges, now residences, permanently moored on the canal. Some derelict, others looked to be in the process of being renovated, and still others fully remodeled as large and extremely comfortable looking homes - a few with Webers on the deck! So interesting, we barely noticed the last 10 kilometres.
It was all go after we arrived in Toulouse around 3. We settled into our hotel (fab location, enormous room, with two queen size beds!), shower, laundry, a quick reccy around the town - an appetiser for a more leisurely stroll tomorrow (today).
Last night, a very happy and enjoyable dinner with Domi's sister and brother-in-law, Christine (Ki-Ki) and Didier, and nephew Nicola and his fiancée Ludivine. Everyone thrilled to see Domi and warm and welcoming to me. Conversation lively and 'rapide'. A lot of the detail passed me by, but it didn't matter. The evening over all too quickly. Hugs and grands bisous (big kisses) all around. A la prochaine. Until the next time.
After 17 days, we have now walked almost 450 kms of the Chemin D'Arles - a little under half way in both distance and time. We are truly grateful for how we've fared so far. A few minor injuries, but nothing serious. If all continues to go well we will arrive at the end of this Camino route by Day 36 in Puenta Le Reina in Spain, where it joins the Camino Frances. And from there a little more walking elsewhere in Spain, we hope. But best not to get ahead of ourselves. Before then, a small matter of another 450-500kms and crossing the Pyrenees into Spain at the Col du Somport.
Hasta luego
J x
