Éclusiers and other thoughts
Each lockmaster, or éclusier, lives in a small house alongside his or her lock. Each building is similar in construction, but the resident will arrange the area to his own liking. Some have pretty gardens and careful landscaping, others are bare-bones and functional.

This one, was most unusual in that the éclusier has allowed a neighbour to exhibit (and sell) his craft at the lock.
 
As we were locking through, I noticed that the éclusier was seated on a giant hand, carved in the shape of a chair. As the lock gates opened, a little carved man atop the gate appeared to be cranking the old (and now disused) handle! Several of the carvings were animated as in the scene below:

A nude woman rides her bike, her friend plays his guitar while another friend finds a certain relief.

As well as interesting lock areas, we came across variations on the canalside cafe or store.

Bistro/store/tourist information Free for the asking Raft up for some baguettes



Our last evening was at Trebes. We arranged a run into Carcasonne by taxi to purchase TGV tickets to Paris for the next day. The taxi driver agreed to meet us at the boat next morning at 8am, in time to get us to the train on time. One last cockpit meal, the odd glass of wine ( ! ) and fond farewells to Judy and Aubrey. We wished them well on their continuing run up to Carcasonne and left wondering how they were going to manage without our help. We needn't have been concerned. of course.

Cheers!



Tony Cook.
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