We were up and ready for a 0900h departure, if necessary, but since no boats came along to use the pontoon, and since we realised we couldn’t get to Moissac in time to get down to the Tarn before lunch, we relaxed and left at 1000h, getting into Moissac at 1230h. We moored temporarily in the port, and then went down to the Tarn at 1415h. In doing so, I executed two picture-perfect mooring manoeuvres, slotting a 16.7m barge into an 18m space. It’s little triumphs like these that give you a satisfied feeling when barging.

Craig and I then walked out to the Renault garage to pick up the Scenic after its various repairs. I was very pleased with myself to be able to speak enough Frenglish to make myself understood (I hoped) to the garage staff. Since I needed to buy some tarpaulins for the barge for winter coverage, Craig and I then went to Mr Bricolage to do some shopping. Our first option at Castelsarrasin did not have what I wanted, but at least there was a McDonalds across the road where Craig could buy a Coke (with lots of ice) that he had been hanging out for over the past few days! We then headed over to the Montauban store where we got what we wanted, and learned a few new French words from various staff members.

We had dinner at the Uvarium Cafe and enjoyed a sunset view that the River Tarn is renowned for.

In the evening, Rita went to music practice with her French friends, since this would probably be her last opportunity to do so this year, while Craig, Ginger and I went for a walk around the town. Ginger took the opportunity to relax with some well-known Moissac sculptures.

Later that night when we were all back on board, we devoured one of Rita’s famous apple crumbles on the rear deck, while we enjoyed another of Moissac’s iconic views of Pont Napolean.