Dearest Ute and Ulie -

what great fun we´ve had being your guests on this wonderful Barge/Hotel "The Caroline". Spending six days with you has allowed us to see you more as fine human beings and not just attendants extraordinaire. We find ourselves putting aside books, games and sketching materials to be slowly swept away to the speed of live. We have a list of friends whom we think will be interested in what you have to offer ...

Melissa + Craig, San Francisco

From Craig made while they have been on board

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Cher Uli and Ute,

Do we really have to leave today? Please may we stay. We could wash the decks, wash up, stoke the fire, hide in a cupboard maybe.
When we have been ashore and see her when we return, she makes me smile with pleasure at the thought of moving slowly down the Canal again.
What else can I say that hasn’t been said already on the previous pages. We agree with it all.
Ute, you must realise by now you could compete with Michelin Star Chefs – thank you for your work in the kitchen, we have enjoyed every morsel.
Uli – thanks for the rest, captain, host, tour guide.
It has been a pleasure to meet you both and hope we can keep in touch over the years and see you again.

With love from John + Elizabeth (ex Sidney, Australia)

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Tonight is our last on Caroline. Our group is cooking and serving dinner. How could we ever compare to the beautiful meals you have so lovingly and graciously served us?
We are a big group, 13 in all. The 5 of us on the Caroline have said over & over again  “We are so lucky to be on your vessel. We are so lucky.”
Your humain, hard work, beautifully cozy accommodations and friendly smiles have made this trip to France a memory of a lifetime. We want to come back!
Barbara, Eugene, OR, USA

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Dear Uli and Ute,

I can never say enough about your beautiful Caroline, it has been one of the most peaceful trips I have ever taken. You are both such gracious hosts and patient with our many needs. I want to return and do the trip up the Canal du Midi.

Thank you.
Margaret, Cottage Grove, Oregon, USA

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Dear Ute & Uli
Nothing could be finer than to be on Caroline for a month or two.
Nothing could be sweeter than to dine on Caroline for a meal or two or more.
Nothing could be safer than to glide along with Uli admiring the panoramic scenes of the Midi.
With the Aussie flag unfurled under blankets we are digesting yet another Ute feast.
Nothing could be sweeter than to see the Tuppies tremble as the majestic Caroline approaches.

Thank you for a  wonderful experience from the Aussies who love to read. (especially after lunch)

Ros . Greg  .  Deb . Chris
XO XO XO XO

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Ute  & Uli –
Many thousand thanks from your friends at “The Library”! Your gracious kindness made our adventure a lasting memory. Ute, your cooking was beyond impressive. I´m looking forward to making my first Flamm Cuker (or how ever you spell it). I can barely wait until I´m tasting my next glass of Loupiac while gently gliding through the magical countryside of Southern France! Thank you so much!!
Tom

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John Mansfield could write: “I must go down to the sea today; to the lonely sea & the sky.”
I could write: “I must go down to the canal today; to the Caroline & her charmes …” Thank you for an amazing experience …

Cosy
Alluring
Relaxing
Oppulent
Luxurious
Intriguing
Nutritious
Exquisite

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We have had nearly everything in the way of weather; sun, shade, heat, wind, snow in the Pyrenees that blew cold weather here - & it was all delightful. To wake in the night to total silence & than in the morning to the sound of church bells – to bike to Minerve (& actually make it) – to sit like Cleopatra in front of the wheel house – how can anything equal that??
I am writing this while waiting for supper. What marvellous creations will Ute produce to-night? As Bill said, “There must be 2 Utes – the one who stands at the bow, directing traffic & carries enormous ropes around trees to anchor the Caroline - - - & the 2nd who produces gourmet treat. As for Uli, he is waiter par excellence, sommelier, boat captain & repair man.

Thank you for a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
Nancy (Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada) and Bill (Toronto, Canada)

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... Wow! Life aboard "Caroline" with Uli and Ute is a welcome relief from our all-too-busy lives in Los Angeles, California. We love it! The endless passing of the plane "sycamore" trees and the perfect sunny countryside. The "glou-glou-glou" of the engine expertly handled by Uli thru the narrow bridges. The exquisite lunches prepared fresh by Ute every day, along with the wonderful table settings, so great every breakfast. The cocktail "hour" that lasts all afternoon into the last night (if we would allow it). Being here with my eighty (plus) year old parents, my brother and my wife enjoyed each others company ...    and the various restaurants, near where we happen to dock or the BBQ´s we cocked ourselves  on the top deck. I am very grateful to be alive  and able to experience this adventure.

Thank you! Chris T. from L.A., California ...

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... this has been a trip of a lifetime far exceeding our expectations. From the moment we stepped on Board near Capestang we were made to feel like royalty and nothing was too much bother. Your warm hospitality & relaxed natures made the experience  all the more enjoyable. Ute, it is difficult to find the right words to describe the gourmet meals that you prepared so expertly for us - one word probably sums it up best - MAGNIFIQUE!
Uli, your knowledge of the wines of the region and your skill of matching the wines to the food Ute had prepared was masterful and really appreciated. It was also a pleasure to watch you skipper the Caroline with such precision - even under some trying circumstances. The many trips you undertook for us to visit wineries and villages were also much appreciated - not to mention the early morning to the local boulangerie for the most fantastic breads, pastries and croissants. It has being a privilege getting to know you and share the Caroline with you and great friends.

Love Dennis & Karen ...

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... We came expecting "a relaxing week on the canal" but go with memories of one of the most enjoyable times of our "travelling" lives. 2007 is a year of the Rugby World Cup but if there was a "World Cup for Barging" - Team Caroline would be the winner
Elaine & Sid ...

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... Your hospitality, extra kindnesses and general good humor led to a relaxed holiday that will long be remembered.
Talking maths - U2 certainly shows the sum of parts is a very strong band. The food and wine pairings said much of your collective skills, and were much appreciated. Every day introduced something new or memorable - not easy to do, yet done with a panache.

Thank you again for your hospitality, kindnesses and willingness to meet our many and varied requests. The week was all too short, and the dieting that will now have to take place will be all too long! I wish you both well and sincerely hope we meet again.

Kevin ...

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... Thank you so much, this has been the most relaxing + carefree holiday we have ever taken + hat has to be the best way to see the South of France. From the moment we met you at Gare Carcassonne + then came aboard Caroline you have both made us feeling very welcome + the hospitality has been first class.

The food + meals prepared for us, what can we say, but exceptional, + please email us some recipes. Thank you Ute, your cooking has been marvellous, and the service + presentation, again first class. Loved the table decorations, + salt + pepper shakers for every day, favourite was definitely the spring bolt + screw.

This has certainly been a holiday to remember, repeat + tell everyone who will listen. Thank you again + hope to see you again

Linda + Brian, Melbourne ...

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... This wonderful holiday was all to short!
The tranquil canal with its unique + fascinating history was delightful with every turn. One couldn’t help but relax and let the thought of a busy life far away, slip further away.

Ute’s gourmet food + regional produce were delicious and memorable! Many thanks Ute, for coping so well with my "gluten free diet" + presenting me with delicious French pastries that melt so wonderful with every bite.

Thanks too to Uli for his generous supplies of wonderful regional wines and careful attention to every detail. His intimate knowledge + interesting spots to explore kept us busy as we walked around different villages on the way.

Thank you both for a most delightful holiday!! We plan to come again!! Jan + David, Adelaide, Australia ...

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... thank you so much for making this a very special family holiday. We all really hate to see the end, ...but fortunately we nhave the wonderful memories, now and for a long time. Not to mention the extra pounds "Made in France", hopefully not for such a long btime ...

Please come visit us on Orcas Island! Harold and Elsie

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... and many more ...

Ute & Uli Weber • Port Guéry • F - 34310 Capestang - France • Phone: +33 - 603 309 522 • E-Mail: Peniche-Caroline@gmx.net • Member of: Union des Péniches de Croisiéres du Midi U.P.C.M. www.midicruises.org

Last Update: 02.02.2010 • © Uli Weber • Selected photos courtesy and © Don Dillin • Used with permission