Moissac to Auvillar - 20k

Today the big decision was follow the canal
(as in, no hills), save 2k & travel on a nice sandy track. Or go into the hills; climb up and down three times on muddy path and walk an extra 2k. I think I made  the decision in about half a second. Within a couple of k’s you could see a great lake that was the joining of the Tarn and Garonne rivers.

There were lots of spring flowers along the canal bank, not to mention a few big snails that seemed to be outpacing me.

At about 09:30 I turned off the track for the two stage stop to the bakery and bar to finish off a two day old Times.

After coffee it was back to the canal which runs at this point next to another canalised section of the Garonne, which I think feeds the coolers for the Nuclear power station you can see in the distance.

Before leaving the canal I noticed an Otter on a couple of occasions by the bank. It dived as soon as they saw me. How do I know it was an Otter?…well I have read ‘Ring of bright water’… it was big and didn’t have a flat tail.

I sat and had my lunch at a village under the cliff by the river Garonneo on a park bench, in the sun, chomping my way through a new baguette and a dying Camembert.

Near the bridge there was a wood planted out in the French way of exact patterns and trees. With the new leaves and the spring sunshine it looked a picture. Leaving the river I climbed up to this lovely little town. It was 2 pm and an afternoon off.

I enjoyed a good afternoon doing nothing much, looking around the small town  and the views from its ancient walls, writing cards, reading the newspaper, and having a medicinal beer.

Pleasant day in a pleasant place.