Another quiet night in hotel and got going about 8.30 this morning. It was pouring down and thought I shouldn't wear my kilt so off I set my first day in my trousers.... walked 3 miles and then remembered that I'd forgotten to pack my kilt. Whoa! Went back and got it, lucky I'd remembered - I would hate to lose it. Enjoyed my walk today despite the setback, the camino is now well signposted, I see the shells marking the path and I walked along the riverside and quiet country roads, more like it but not another walker in sight. I arrived at St Fulgert about 7pm but again no hostels. I had hoped that there would be accommodation once I got on the French way but there doesn't seem to be. C'est la vie.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Day 44 ...Lost in France
Had a quiet night in hotel and went to tourist information first thing this morning. They gave me photocopies of the Chemin (french Camino) and I felt confident that I was on the right track but guess what - after I had been walking in the wrong direction for 2 hours, so ******* frustrating. It really isn't easy to follow, the paths are so confusing as I think they are mixed up with local tracks etc and really don't go anywhere. Ended up at Boussay so I had to walk along busy roads again to get back in the right direction to Montaigu. I expected to be meeting other walkers by now, but it is just not happening. I walked about 19 miles today, it was 21c and was going to sleep out tonight but it is now very heavy rain and have had to book into another hotel in Montaigu.
My pal from Ireland, Stephen Diver, great guy, is now walking the Spanish camino and I wish him well. Good folk I have met on my way have been donating on Just Giving on my link. At least this makes me feel a bit better and reminds me why I am here, thanks I really appreciate and it is encouraging. Today's song for me is............LOST HIGHWAY by Hank Williams.........how apt!
Monday, 30 September 2013
Day 43....Freebird
Just had a killer walk to Clisson - left Nantes at 8 this morning, Walked to Vertou and found the Camino but not for long.....got lost and starting east, at Le Loroux Bourereau, made my way to Vallet and then to Clisson. I was walking along busy roads - did not enjoy that and then spent an hour walking around the town trying to find a hostel but eventually have found an hotel. A couchsurfer guy has told me that I will be able to pick up the French Camino from Clisson, tomorrow I will go to the tourist information and hopefully find the French Camino, Viva La France, I will be on the right track at last...
Today's song for me has been Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd - RIP Ronnie Vanzant
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Day 42 ...... a rest day in Nantes
I didn't walk today, well not far, just round Nantes, I really like it. I walked round the Japanese garden on Ile de Versailles, absolutely beautiful - lots of runners and cyclists - lots of fit women - ha ha! I like it here. I wanted to rent a canoe but the place was closed - pity it would have great to paddle on the Erdre would be have been good. Went to the Duc of Bretagne Chateau, it is superb. Had a great day but looking to forward to walking again.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Day 41..... Back on the Guinness!
Had a decent night's sleep on a bench last night, wouldn't want to make a habit of it, but I slept fine and wasn't disturbed. Luckily it was a dry night but I had a plan B if it started to rain, there was a bridge near by. I was determined to get to Nantes as quick as possible and make sure I found a hostel, which I did. It was very hot and clammy today, not really good walking weather, so I called it a day walking wise after 8 miles. At lunch time I treated myself to omelette and chips with salad, yummy. I explored Nantes a bit, the cathedral is massive and an amazing building. The hostel opened at half 3 so I got booked in and then came along an Irish Pub called John McByrne and enjoyed chatting to Ross the barman. Had a pint of Guinness and it tasted great, first one since I'd left Ireland. Met a lovely couple Martin and Michelle from Jersey and they've paid for my hostel tonight. I really have been touched by how much kindness I have been shown. Enjoyed a shower in the hostel, feeling relaxed and clean again.
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