Now I can catch up on the past couple of days. Public computers are difficult to find here.
Wednesday October 1 - Since we arrived late in Figeqc last night we took a couple of hours to walk the old town, and actually wished we had more time. I really liked this city, nicely restored and with multiple littel squares with shops and cafes. But since we had 21 km to walk , off we went, as the weather cleared. There was a fair amount of uphill, and a few day hikers, but we saw no long distance pilgrims like us. The day seemed endless as we trudged on and on, but finally La Chapelle Marival came into sight where we quickly got rid of our boots and found the town bar to restore ourselves with our newest addiction - Monacos ?sp. The locals were out there in force, and it was fun to sit there in the sun. We are finding this "camino" bereft of companionship as there is nobody else doing the same thing, especially since we have passed Conques, where many walkers were stopping.
Thursday October 2 - Gramat Another 22 km day that got off to a bad start because we missed a turn leaving town. An old lady out walking in her slippers waved to us and told us to turn around, of it would have been worse. All I can remember of this day are an enormous fortified Church in Rudelle and meeting a girl walking with a donkey, who looked better fed than she did. Gramat was an unattractive town for me. and I was happy to leave.
Friday October 3 - Rocamadour. This was a great day. Only a short walk of 12 km starting off with the purchase of excellent local goat cheese at the market. We had no pavement to walk on and quickly descended into the gorge leading up to Rocamadour. On the way we passed one enormous and several smaller ruins of mills (for flour and walnuts). We had our usual picnic lunch in a parking lot, not realizing that jsut around the corner was Rocamadour. And what a spectacle, with all those chapels, churches and the château built into massive cliffs. Being the second most visited site in France, there were of course, quite a few tourists. And there was absolutely no emphasis on the Chemin de Saint Jacques, which I find odd. We did enjoy our day of rest, with 2 nights here, taking in all the sights. The weather was clear and warm and during breakfast, two hot air balloons went up right over the terrace of the hotel where we were staying. We could hear and see the flames and very clearly see the people in the baskets.
Sunday October 5 - La Bastide Murat. We were worried about today on two counts, that the weather would be wet and that the path would not be well marked. But neither happened. We arrived here after walking 28 km and there were actually some flat sections! A miracle! But no people and no cafes and no where to sit down out of the damp. Now here we are with hot coffee and a hot shower and a nice cozy room. We have only two more days of walking, and it does feel like this area at least is nearing the end of its season (our hotel closes in 5 days).
Laundry to be done before dinner and we are starved. Cassoulet perhaps?
Great job Mom and Richard!!! The kids are happy your walking challenge is going so well. :) All is great here - we look forward to catching up when you get home :)
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