217. Knight

CARCASSONNE

Stock photo of the castle famed for its kilometres of double walls

Walking the walls

Three of the fifty six wall towers

Focus for the day was getting to Carcassonne Castle. The Phennah's unable to wait for the Royds'* headed off with Fyfe and Audrey with the balance of us catching up in due course.

We met Stephen and Lynda and headed out to a secluded spot within the walls to eat our pre-made baguettes. Unfortunately the spot was on the route the hotels within the walls used to ferry their guests in tiny cars from the main gate so it wasn't quite as secluded as we had hoped. 

3.5kg - I can still feel my neck

We wandered round like one does then it was suggested that we go to meet a real knight. On meeting Jean-François he put us off for an hour so that he could do a presentation in English. Turned out to be a very good session by an enthusiastic professional. He focused on the twelve hundreds being the age of chivalry.  

Jean-François clothing was authentic, right down to his underwear and had a collection of authentic reproduction armour and weapons. He regularly takes part in combat competitions with the associated injuries however his real focus was on the qualities of chivalry and what it took and meant to be a knight. Stephen & Lynda demonstrated basic sword and shield skills. It certainly demonstrated how physical and violent combat was. It was a very engaging process, for all with a very positive message. He finished by knighting us as knights of the realm. We were impressed by his dedication and focus.

Children returning with fuel

Bonfire face

After dinner another bonfire with the massive load of fuel that the children had collected from the island on the boat including a sawn log by Fyfe the size of a good fence post.

*completely understandable