Wow it's been a week already since I wrote. Where to start? I had a wonderful two and a half days of walking with Sandrine and her mother. We left Conques on Monday and climbed a steep trail out of the valley. It was a lovely walk and great to be able to catch up and reminise (sp?). We passed through a little hamlet and stopped to ask a man about the meaning of the word ulteria - that's another story. He asked our names and introduced himself as Jean-Luc. Yeah I know; there are a million Jean-Luc's in France. He had been working on building a cabinet when we called him over, he walked with a cane and he bore a strong resemblance to my Jean-Luc especially the eyes - unfortunately he also seemed to be quite ill. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed but I couldn't stop looking at him. When we left, Sandrine commented that he had a crush on me - she could tell by the way he looked at me. Strange but I couldn't shake the encounter. I'm sure if we went back we would be told that there is no such person or he died months ago.
No more weird encounters over the next couple of days - just lots of miles. The afternoons are quite hot which makes walking tough. I had trouble with my hip one day - quite painful - almost thought I would have to stop and take a break but when we rested I stretched and that seemed to help. Did a big stretch that night and haven't had any trouble since - touch wood. It was sad the day that I left Sandrine and her mother - they were taking a variation on the route and I was continuing on the traditional path. That day I had to walk 6 km more than I planned as the village I had planned to stop had no accommodation available. It turned out great though - found a place with a Mongolian tent. The woman who owned the property was very cool. She had just finished building her home in May and there were several things that reminded me of Jean-Luc - little details in the house - pebbles that she had collected and had imbedded into the walls - like we did with the floor; concrete floor; etc.
The days roll along as the miles pass under my feet. I meet up with people that I have meet before and meet new people. My french might be improving a bit as I can now make a reservation on the phone. Last night I stayed in a convent - a unique experience with a great meal. And today I arrived in Cahors. I hadn't booked anything in advance but wasn't worried as it is a larger town. I checked out the Auberge Jeunesse (youth hostel) but didn't get a good feeling so I wandered down to another place but he was full. He phoned his friend and she could take me so off I went. What a great find - in the old city, very funky, very clean and a very neat woman. I don't always take the evening meal as sometimes it's not very good for the price but I think tonight will be fun. So far; when it comes to trusting my instincts when finding a place to stay I haven't been disappointed.
For Cheryl and Jeff who are tracking my route by internet - I went from Conques - Decansville - Figeac - Sembrut (just before Carjac) - Limogne - Valyets - Cahors
I think of you all - cause I have a lot of time to think!!!
A bientot!
No more weird encounters over the next couple of days - just lots of miles. The afternoons are quite hot which makes walking tough. I had trouble with my hip one day - quite painful - almost thought I would have to stop and take a break but when we rested I stretched and that seemed to help. Did a big stretch that night and haven't had any trouble since - touch wood. It was sad the day that I left Sandrine and her mother - they were taking a variation on the route and I was continuing on the traditional path. That day I had to walk 6 km more than I planned as the village I had planned to stop had no accommodation available. It turned out great though - found a place with a Mongolian tent. The woman who owned the property was very cool. She had just finished building her home in May and there were several things that reminded me of Jean-Luc - little details in the house - pebbles that she had collected and had imbedded into the walls - like we did with the floor; concrete floor; etc.
The days roll along as the miles pass under my feet. I meet up with people that I have meet before and meet new people. My french might be improving a bit as I can now make a reservation on the phone. Last night I stayed in a convent - a unique experience with a great meal. And today I arrived in Cahors. I hadn't booked anything in advance but wasn't worried as it is a larger town. I checked out the Auberge Jeunesse (youth hostel) but didn't get a good feeling so I wandered down to another place but he was full. He phoned his friend and she could take me so off I went. What a great find - in the old city, very funky, very clean and a very neat woman. I don't always take the evening meal as sometimes it's not very good for the price but I think tonight will be fun. So far; when it comes to trusting my instincts when finding a place to stay I haven't been disappointed.
For Cheryl and Jeff who are tracking my route by internet - I went from Conques - Decansville - Figeac - Sembrut (just before Carjac) - Limogne - Valyets - Cahors
I think of you all - cause I have a lot of time to think!!!
A bientot!