Day 34 Peter’s 80th - his choices

How to celebrate an 80th??

Peter’s choice - bike to Marseillan - about an hour - then paddle 2.5 hours on Étang de Thau and along Canal du Midi, and bike back.

Arriving at 12:01pm we were lucky the shop was open - and the owner was “sympathique.” He was proud to show us his “Canadian” canoe - large & plastic, but stable. He hosed it down, and dropped it into the lake between 2 boats. By stepping on the stern of one, we were able to get in.

Étang de Thau is huge - 21 K long & 8K across - and linked by the Canal du Midi to Bordeaux via Toulouse. Being so vast, we weren’t sure where to go. First, we ventured out to the middle, then headed down the Canal - more action there.

The weather was amazing and everything went smoothly except . …
After about 1.5 hours of paddling, Peter hopped out of the boat for a pit stop along the Canal. Getting back in, and after paddling about 15 minutes upstream, he noticed his phone was not in his pocket. Convinced it had fallen out, we canoed back, and actually found the exact spot - but no phone. EUREKA - after checking his bags thoroughly again - le voilá - there it was. A total déjà vu of when we flew out of Pearson. . . . .

Happily back on track, we got to the landing at 3:05 - meaning no lunch for us, just beer. It never ceases to amaze us how they get away with this . . . . .

Having to return our bikes before 5, we took the route back we knew. We stopped on the way at our fav poisonnerie - he chose salmon. Must say, after 9 days of biking, walking home from the bike shop seemed soooo slow.

We’re winding down after a delish dinner. Peter’s enjoying all his birthday wishes by phone and email.

Last day tomorrow - have to make the most of it.Read more