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| So many roads are lined with plane trees. |
Morning chores of emptying and
filling Ruakiwi, and a stop at the Supermarket before we headed off west on the
D11 through to Carcassone, crossing the Canal du Midi several times. Thought we
would stop at the village of Trebes just out of Carcassone where there were a
number of locks, but it was midday, and everyone was out for lunch. The streets
were just crowded especially the cafes on the canal and all the parking areas
were full, it would have been hard to even find a spot for a car. Hoped we
might find a place a little further out and walk back but it really was Mission
Impossible. Very disappointed but will wait till we are at the other end of the
canal where the cycle paths are excellent and do it by bike.
We continued on the D118 south to
Quillan before heading west again on the D117. It really was a very enjoyable
drive, firstly passing through mile upon mile of vineyards then as we rose into
the hills there were beautiful valleys that were lush and green with hay being
cut. Even saw some farms that were fenced into paddocks although very little
stock visible. After Quillan it was a very steep windy road up to 600 metres
and the foothills of the Pyrenees, then opening up into the valleys. As always
there were little villages dotted throughout and Chateaus on hilltops. Mostly
had to take “driveby” shots of there as just nowhere to pull over.
As we were driving I was checking
out a few things and found that there was a “Voie Verte” or cycle path on an
old railway line between Foix and Saint-Gerons, 42 km in length which sounded
just what we had been looking for. Struggling to find somewhere suitable to
stay when we spotted this Aire beside the road and not far from the cycle way.
It is very shady underneath some very old plane trees and with the temperature
hitting 34 degrees when we stopped, it was most welcome. Hate to think how hot
it is down on the coast. There is a bit of road noise along with the church
bells opposite us ringing every hour …. twice. Not sure why, but might need
some earplugs.
After talking with Bonnie the
other night I bought a duck breast (or Cannard in French) for dinner, they are
so much cheaper than in NZ. I have never cooked one before but got all the
instructions from Bonnie and hoping it tastes as good as she said it would.
Planning to go riding tomorrow morning before it gets too hot.
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| Sunflowers, just starting to poke their heads. |
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| Real summer weather |
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| The roads through the towns are really narrow. I don't look if we meet another vehicle! |
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| Pyrenees |
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| A great spot under the plane trees. |
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