Well we arrived in Carcassone on Friday 1st, after the boys had spent a few days peddling their wee hearts out on the bikes, and after the disappointment at not being able to get a swim in Castelnaudry they were really getting beyond desperation by the time we reached Carcassone. One of the first things we did after checking in with the Capiteniere was to visit the Tourist Information centre to find out where the swimming pool was, and also how best to get there. Well you wouldn’t believe it, but we were stunned to find out that the pool is closed for refurbishment and was due to open this month, however they are running behind schedule!!!

We felt so so sorry for the boys, but a solution was at hand (thank God) in that, up in the hills above Carcassone is a man made fresh water lake with sandy beaches etc which can be reached either by bus, or around 15 euros in a taxi. Therefore on Saturday morning we had a picnic prepared, packed all the swimming gear and towels, and headed off for “Le Lac De La Cavayere” for the day.

We were all taken aback at how pretty the lake was, being surrounded by trees, picnic tables, pedalos for hire etc – simply lovely. The sandy beach was lovely soft and clean, with lifeguards at all the buoyed off swimming areas. To say it was a relief for the boys (and for us) would be an understatement and by the end of the day they should have grown gills, given the numbers of hours they spent swimming and messing about in the water.

Only one downside to the lake side is that there is only one snack bar facility, and it is looking a bit tired and run down. So if you were ever thinking on visiting the lake, I would suggest going with a cool box with drinks and a picnic.

Sunday 3rd we visited La Cite, the world famous medieval city,

with the boys taking us around the Museum of Torture – well what else would you expect from two teenage lads?

This proved to be very informative and gave a good explanation on the “Inquisition” and all the gory instruments used to extract what they wanted to hear……pretty gruesome. My appetite was slowly waning as we went around looking at all these horrible exhibits. I’m pleased to so though, that after exiting the museum all appetites were duly restored and we had a lovely meal in one of the many restaurants. The balance of the day was spent exploring the city eating ice cream and doing all manner of touristy things.

We had a crew meeting tonight with the boys having to choose between;

Option1: Pushing on for Bezier where they could swim in a pool (?) or perhaps even the Med if we could find suitable public transport.

Option2: Stay on at Carcassonne for the rest of the week.

Bet you are struggling to figure out which option they chose??. Well I’ll put you out of your misery, they chose Option 2.

Every morning Prentice and Reyce rotated between bedroom duties and going with me to the Patisserie, where they would ask for our daily requirements in French – which they managed really well. I’m sure the “bonus cake” for doing this had absolutely no influence on the outcome!!

Monday 4th: Murphy’s Law struck today as unfortunately the weather was poor – i.e. raining, so we spent the day playing cards and looking forward to tomorrow hoping the weather would come good again.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Both days were spent back at “Le Lac De La Cavayere” only difference being we were opposite the sandy beach at a cove, where there are Aquaglide Inflatable’s – trampolines, chutes, castle structures and so on, all secured in about 8 metres of water making it really safe for diving and messing about in the water which, we are pleased to report, the boys managed with aplomb on both days.

They even managed to find time to relax in a hammock……………..

Everyone paying for this facility is issued with a good quality floatation waistcoat. Sara and I relaxed in the shade of the trees where, as you can see in the photo, there were hammocks and reclining chairs/loungers. This was good value, as for 10 euro’s each the boys could play away to their hearts content for up to four hours – albeit they managed over five without anyone saying their time was up, and they didn’t let on either!! They came out of the water only when they felt the need for food and refreshments, before heading back in again. I will refrain from making any reference to the time they spent with a certain couple of blonde girls from Wales………our lips are sealed lads!

Thursday: This was going to be the boys last full day, but unfortunately today was overcast so the Lake wasn’t a viable option, so the boys opted to revisit La Citie to purchase gifts for the family. We had a really enjoyable day once again in this remarkable place, and watching some of the street performers whose acts left us puzzled and bemused.

Friday was spent travelling to Toulouse where we had booked a couple of rooms at an airport hotel – carefully chosen I might add by Sara, as it had a swimming pool. Once we were booked in and at the poolside, the boys challenged the oldies to a underwater swimming competition…….just remind me what the score was boys 🙂

We were all up early this morning as the boys flight to Heathrow meant we had to be at the airport at 0630 – thus the need for the hotel being at the airport. The boys flight was on time and we parted sad that they were leaving, but delighted that they flew out to join with us on part of our adventure through the Canal.

Thanks guys it was great having such quality time with such terrific grandsons……….and fun.