Thursday, 24 October 2013

Day 67 ...getting nearer to Spain

Sven got up very early this morning and left before I got up - it was great seeing my friend - he had driven 1800 ks to see me and only stayed for one night - would have been even better to have spent longer with him but it was great seeing him, he is a real tonic! Thanks for the visit Sven and thanks for treating us to our tea. Also had to say bye to Nora this morning as she was leaving to drive back to Bordeaux with the hire car. She dropped me off at Sorde l'Abbaye where we had finished yesterday and I found the shell marker easily and set off on my way. I've swopped rucksacks with Nora as mine was far too big and cumbersome and weighing me down. I also dumped my old boots and a few bits and bobs which were worse for wear.
My new boots are wearing in ok, I had been stuffing them with my torch and the coffee jar at night to try and stretch them a bit and it definitely worked, I know it is not a good idea walking with brand new boots but needs be.
Really enjoyed my walk today, walking towards the foot of the Pyrenees, stunning scenery and another sweltering day. Walked through a few wee villages but never saw a soul, just an odd donkey or horse. In this part of the world there are very few shops in the villages, as they rely on the market days when the wee towns are very busy with dozens of stalls, selling everything from fish to cheese, to soap to frying pans. Yesterday, Nora and I went round the stalls in the wee town we were staying in and it was very busy and people seem to have come from miles around and stock up. It is a very different way of life here in France to what we are used too, with shops open 24 hours.
I walked just over 20 miles today and I am in a great refuge tonight - a monastery at La Palis, run by a lovely Belgian couple, who offered me soup and coffee when I arrived. I'm the only one here but they are expecting a couple of more walkers later. At this rate I should be at St Jean tomorrow and in Spain by Sunday - hee haw....
Today's song is a great favourite of mine