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     

Day 37....The wonderful Boureux family

Had a different day today, the Boureux lifestyle and generosity is wonderful and I decided not to walk today and help with sorting out some drainage problems round a little chapel they are building.  They are a lovely family - five children and have an 18 year old german girl staying with them.  I've really enjoyed today but it wasn't easy digging ditches in the heat, but after lunch with the family, I had a nap in the 'cabin' which is just perfect for me. However, I vowed to keep walking so tomorrow I am back walking and hot to trot, the rest today was just what I needed. Thank you Marie Flore for introducing me to the wonderful Boureux family.  It has been a great pleasure meeting them and their kindness is inspiring. I hope I will get a chance to return their hospitality in Scotland.

Day 36 ..... My accommodation tonight - a wattle and daub!

Felt good this morning, looking forward to walking - only one toe is bothering me now.  Keep seeing bikes everywhere, I'm really missing my bikes - would love a spin up the Dukes Pass on my drifter right now.  Sacre bleu, very hot today - about 24c and I found some shade and rested in a field.  Walked from Quesembert to Malansac.  Stopped and had a cola (no  guinness  here!) and was chatting to some really friendly locals, great fun. Now stopped up for the night at St Jacut Les Pins and have got great accommodation for the night.  A wattle and daub round shed - which is a shed made from a frame of sticks and branches and then covered with mud, it's great, I want to build one when I get back to Scotland - I've taken loads of photos but I have no way of sharing them on my blog yet.  It belongs to Adeline Boureux and I'm sharing a garden with donkeys and goats and a fantastic fruit and vegetable garden, they grow all their own - this is the real 'Good Life'.  I walked 20 miles today.  I'm meeting some great people but would love someone to come walk a bit with me - everyone is welcome.

Day 35... met some lovely folk today

Slept well and decided to get walking, using compeed plasters on my toes and they felt fine. Walked to Treix where I met Anne and her husband who were cycling, they offered me a bed for the night but I had to say no, as I hadn't walked that far and wanted to get to Questembert. Met another couple - Don and Ellen in Gorvello cafe and Don said he knew a woman called Marie Flore who runs a great hostel in her home in St Jacque. That is where I am staying tonight.  She made a great dinner and I enjoyed chatting to her, she has walked many caminos. It is a pleasure to stay here, thanks Don and Ellen and of course Marie Flore for your wonderful hospitality.  Really enjoyed today even though I managed to take a few detours to get here, reckon I walked about 22 miles today.  That's me walking now for 5 weeks and despite a few setbacks, I'm pleased with the mileage covered so far...