We were up and ready to leave at 0915h to make the most of lock opening times at 0900h. We were surprised to see that the main port at Buzet was relatively empty, and that all the campervan area had been replaced with grass. As we cruised past Kevin & Sarah’s Buzet port, we saw that Karanja was moored there and Gulliver was still covered up from over-wintering.

At we approached Villeton, we saw that the Belgium Cafe at St Christophe ecluse was closed for a couple of weeks, probably to get ready for the summer rush. We arrived at Villeton at 1230h, where I followed the second half of the game between the Hawks and the Western Bulldogs. After a 2 point deficit at half time, the Hawks stormed away in the second half to win 122-59, and enter the top 8 for the first time in a few weeks.

One of the objectives of stopping at Villeton was to top up the batteries, so we purchased 4 jetons for 8euro, and used half of them to get shorepower for 8 hours.

While Rita cycled back along the canal to go swimming at Lac Damazan, I got started designing the Dindi Moon French Tour t-shirt. Now all I have to do is find somewhere that prints front&back t-shirts.

Later in the afternoon, England defeated Sweden 2-0 in the World Cup.

That evening, we had dinner at the port cafe. As happened once before, I misunderstood the menu and ordered something with mushrooms, but I just swapped with Rita and we both enjoyed our meals. While we were waiting for dinner, we noticed a group of girls standing near the barge taking selfies. So Rita went over and asked if they wanted a picture with all of them in it - they were very pleased with the offer. All part of the service!!

After dinner, I followed the Swedish SGP, won by Polish rider Maciej Janowski. Rita and I then had our PGP, played in front of a knowing local. We both played better than normal, to impress the local, but Rita won to take a series lead 2-1.

Later in the night, Croatia defeated Russia 2-2 (4-3 on penalties) to end Russia’s fairytale run in their home World Cup.