Back in Carcassonne

Thought you would all like to know I am safe on my first nght alone!!! Will get to that in a minute.
Our last few days flew by - canoeing was an amazing way to see the area and although it took us about twice the estimated time, we realy enjoyed it! had t meet at 10, but they only got s onto the water at about 11.30am. Basically they drop you upstream & you fend for youselves! It was so peaceful & pretty we let the current take us, only dipping our paddles in to direct the canoe. Stoped for lunch & were amazed it was 2pm! We had made it a third of the way!!! Had our picnic on our blanket with our tea in china cups, on the riverbank/ beach & decided we should really do a bit of paddling, or at least find the fast current! Finally made it back at 5pm. You go past many castles & villages built into the cliffs that we'd seen before - but this was a different angle.
Next 2 days have been slow starts & we have taken advantage of the phone & made calls in the morning. Thursday went on a 10km local walk, well sign posted & it took us off the roqds & through woods. Great to see a different part of the countryside. Yesterday we went to some gardnes & chateau on a mountain ridge that overlooks all of the same castles etc. 6km of walks & it is well known for the box hedges sculpted into curving, undulous shapes (impressed by that word?)
Today we packed & cleaned, drove to Bordeaux & then it was all very sad. I, of course, just cried saying goodbye, & was quite fragile driving out, but am feeling better now that I have a) made it out of Bordeaux (this was in question for about half an hour), b) navigated the toll roads which made it quicker as the speed limit is 130km (or 110 in rain!) & c) found a great room within the walls of Carcassonne. I could have a party there as it sleeps 4, has a terrace, and provides breakfast stuff including real coffee YAY! Has a kitchenette too so I will use the leftovers I brought with me tonight & go to bed early so I can take advantage of the terrace in the morning! Will head to Nimes tomorrow. Also have a bottle of red to go with dinner so will be medicinal I'm sure.
Will be in touch asap!
Belle xxx