We set off just after nine this morning, our first task was to get back onto the GR65 proper (this is the French GR number for the way of St James), as we had gone off piste by about 1km to get to Les Faux.
Because of the altitude the day started off cold with a biting wind an so soon after setting out we were wearing our cagules to keep warm. Within an hour it was all change as the wind droped and the sun gave off it's full power. Yesterday we had been caught out by the sun and both got mild sunburn, today there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun beat down relentlessly. Unfortunatly neither of us has long sleve shirts so we had to improvise sleeve from our Buff neck protectors and our small caribina towels. Which were effective although a bit strange looking.
The countyside today started alpine but changed to being a bit like Northumbria, but still very lovely. We had expected everywhere to be shut as it was Sunday but on entering St Alban found many shops open, perhaps because it was the morning.
Just before lunch we met a German family from Heidelburg who are walking to Cahors a destination for many of our fellow pilgrims. They were taking it easy because they were suffering from "bladders" (blisters), it was nice to have a conversation with someone in somthing more than pidgeon French.
At mid day we popped into one of the many beautiful churches and said the mid day office and it was tempting to stay in the cool interior for the rest of the day.
On our approach to Aumont-Aubrac we heard a accordian being played and turning the corner saw a large gathering of people under large umberellas and Gazebos obviously having a party.
The next we knew they were all becconing us over to join them. They explained that it was their third annual local community party, and that this year they had been blessed with good weather as prevously it had been a bit cold.
They then plied us with slices of cake and I was given a brimming plastic cup of red wine. As it was Mouton Cadet I could hardly refuse, Lesley very sensibly stuck to orange squash. No sooner had I drunk half my wine then it was filled to the brim again. While we were there a half dozen or so other pilgrims went past but no others were invited to the party! The people were very interested in our trip and made us feel very welcome, but after a coffee we made our leave with many goodbyes and wishes of good walking.
On the Camino in France
3 comments:
Sounds like there are lots of unexpected perks which I guess you weren't anticipating, which is really nice! You seem to be clocking up the miles with high daily averages so I trust the ankle has recovered OK and Lesley's blisters are no worse. Hope it continues to be such a delight!
Lovely to read your posts - very inspiring.Glad to see you are motoring along now, especially after your start. Keep an eye on the bears, we dont want to read about another rescue attempt!
T&C
Joan says she is glad that it is you walking all that way and not her! She wonders if her chair would get all that way,as charging it up at night might prove difficult.
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