Camping Le Rupe, Toulouse

This morning we were up by seven despite a disturbed night. Loud bassy music carried on the wind from the marina area and fireworks exploded into the night sky above us in the early hours. The mood on the campsite was sombre. A sad day for the French who had been on site all summer. Keen to be in good time for our train we were away by eight-thirty which gave us time for a coffee stop at the cafe a stones throw from the station.

The train was delayed shortening our time at Narbonne to connect with the Toulouse train, but we had plenty of room and didn't have to hang our bikes, a real bonus.

At Narbonne once again, as at Agde, pannier bags had to be removed and John had to carry the bicycles up and down flights of stairs. We were on the correct platform in good time but did not expect the train to be so busy. Passengers occupied the seats below the bike hooks and refused to move. How on earth six bikes squeezed on heaven knows. We were wedged between the two entry exit doors with other standing passengers and their large suitcases. The air con was off, Angela felt sick. She'd had a headache since yesterday lunchtime and now also had a sore throat. We talked with a young Australian man who coincidentally was in the printing business. Working for vista print of all people. Just before Carcassonne Angela felt so nauseous she took a travel sickness pill. After nearly two hours of standing we were relieved to reach Toulouse. As the other passengers spewed onto the platform Angela could believe she'd not thrown up all over them. The intense heat that met us as we exited the station surprised us. It was even hotter than the coast. Being a Sunday the town was quiet and after a hastily eaten baguette outside the station we rode of in search of a nearby shop that was open all day Sunday.

Outside two couples arrived on cargo bikes, complete with a cat in a carrier. The cat must have been really uncomfortable in the stifling heat. A man eying we had a box of four ice creams asked if we could spare him one. Of course. We've been to Toulouse before and seen how many people live alongside the canal in tents. Some under bridges have little more luxurious accomodations. Sleeping platforms made from old pallets. When we think of Toulouse our memory is always of these people and also the hundreds of Dutch barges that line the canals. As you may know the rugby world cup is being hosted by France. As yet we've not found ourselves caught up in the crowds. Tomorrow we will cycle further alongside the canal Garonne. Our next large town will be Bordeaux in a few days time. We love Bordeaux and will probably stay a few days.