Today, we strolled along the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to the village of Trèbes (a total walk of 14.5 kms); being a canal-side path, it was mostly all flat and level, which we quite appreciated. We headed out fairly early, at 7:15 am, in order to beat the forecasted high temperatures, which turned out to be a good plan, since the high today was as hot as predicted — i.e. 34 degrees C. Most of the path was shaded by huge plane trees and other greenery, plus a gentle breeze also provided some comfort.
Interesting sights we saw along the canal: boats (naturally), both docked and moving; locks being opened, the water level changing, and boats going through; coypus* swimming; swans swimming; wild flowers blooming; cyclists passing us; graffiti; and vineyards loaded with tiny developing grapes. We didn’t see any other birds, but we sure heard them singing as we wandered past.
On arrival in Trèbes, we stopped in at a canal-side cafe for a cup of coffee, then caught a bus back to Carcassonne (the fare was only one euro = C$1.50), where we bought some fresh fruits in the market that had set up in Square Carnot, near our apartment, and then had a siesta. We finished the day with a short neighbourhood walk and enjoyed watching children play in the fountain and ride on the carousel in Square Gambetta.
*A coypu is a good-sized rodent, an invasive species indigenous to South America
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