Canal du Midi

I haven't done the Canal du Midi, in part because it has a bad reputation as being busy and being used by yachts transiting from northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Yachts which don't observe the speed and wake restrictions because they are special.

The faulty lock seal shown can be an issue on these old canals. We once had water come tearing through from behind just as the front lock opened. We were still tied to the side and when we let go to get washed out, I found out that the water pressure had torqued the rudder and rudder post all the way over (the rudder post was attached to the steering gear with clamps). That meant that I could only steer a little to starboard or a lot to starboard as I got flushed out. That was exciting.

Using mainly prop wash and reverse, I got over to a landing dock below the lock, tied off, and called the barge company. The problem wasn't hard to diagnose by looking at the steering gear in the lazarette, but there were zero tools onboard (the company had had bad experiences with renters attempting various fixes). A mechanic showed up in an hour and re-registered the rudder to the steering gear.

On other canals we were often the only boat locking through with usually no onlookers. A much calmer atmosphere than the video. Makes me want to go again.
 
We went to the Canal du Midi, about 1990. One of the great trips of our life. Went from the western side, where it crosses over the Garonne River at a height of >100', to Béziers, where it goes down 5 locks. We walked into Béziers and helped them celebrate Midsummer Night. Went through Toulouse, where we were attacked by a swan. The Airbus is assembled there and we toured a 12th century cathedral. Went to Carcassone, an old walled city started by the Romans, now restored.

Rented a small boat one way, the locks were mostly do-it-yourself. If there was a lock tender, he sold you wine. A great tour of Province: small towns, farming country. Nearly missed the train to Paris, it was moving when I jumped on. Judy had a birthday on the boat, moored in the middle of an industrial district. Ate some very good meals. A great trip. Wow, just remembering it.

Boris
 
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