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

Lynyrd Skynyrd-Free bird

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.

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.

Day 40... 12 hours walking in 27c.....

This has been a tough day I walked for 12 hours, at least 30 miles but still didn't get to Nantes, and then can't find anywhere to sleep......maybe should have kept the tent a bit longer.  I met Stefan today at Nort sur Erdre who lived out in NZ for a while and has returned to France to live - really enjoyed our chat, you're the top man Stefan, cheers mate!

Day 39....250 miles into France - bon marche!

My rucksack is a bit lighter now, I left my tent with the Bouroux children, it was getting almost impossible to camp, all the sites are closed so I hope my good fortune will continue and I will find a bed for the night. I left Jean Pierre's about 7.30 this morning. Walked first to Fegreac and then along the canal to Guenrouet.  Used my new gas stove today and made soup and ate bread for lunch.  I had to give up the wood burning stove as I couldn't find dry wood to burn, which was a shame as I really enjoyed the wee stove.  I had a phone number for a gite in Blain, but it was closed so I am in a hotel - nothing fancy but more than I should be spending but I couldn't get anything else.  I really enjoyed walking along the canal and was lucky enough to see otters.  I've walked 26 miles today and hope to get to Nantes tomorrow, another 30 miles.  I'm feeling really strong and fit and the walking is no problem to me, only one toe giving me problems and I reckon that nail will come in the next day or so, and then it will feel more comfortable.  I was a bit concerned  when I was camping so much about the condensation in the tent was affecting my chest - anyway I feel fit and well -  Bon Marche!

Day 38....I was born under a Wandering Star

Lee Marvin - wandering star has been in my head today, I'm back walking!   I left the Bouroux cabin this morning at 7.30 am and got going.  However, again I got lost on the 'camino' paths but I arrived in Redon at 12 o'clock.  Enjoyed a lovely baguette for lunch.  Then I walked along the canal to Fegreac, I felt really hungry and bought lots of vittles and stuffed my face whilst sitting in a churchyard.  Again I couldn't find anywhere to stay, I asked in a local bar but there was nothing available.  Then JeanPierre and Annmarie kindly offered me a room in their house and made me my dinner.....no more wandering tonight... walked about 25 miles today.
Lee Marvin - Wandering Star