Travelling light

Today began sunny and cool, as we walked to the Notre Dame cathedral where they have a 7 am mass followed by a blessing for the pilgrims. I could hardly understand the round of introductions–many of the hikers appear to be French, with one from Holland, and another from Quebec.  It was a lovely send-off.  

Our overnight host offered a plentiful French breakfast on her deck, so we returned for that, departing later than we planned. Chatted as well as we good with two other fascinating guests–a Korean-born Canadian researching medieval history, and a retiring German optician, taking a day’s walking break.

Erika and I hiked over 23 kilometers today, and we have tired feet, legs, and shoulders to prove it. Sunny and hot, but not unbearably so, we saw all sorts of views – rural, forest, gravel path, paved walkways, rocky & hilly climbs. Shade always felt good! 

We came around one bend this morning to three cows; as we debated going around them, we discovered they basically responded as if we were herding them, so off we – and our cattle – went. Just as that got old, what seemed almost like a mirage appeared. A small tropical grass-decorated trailer serving cold drinks at shaded bright umbella tables was a perfectly timed rest. Quenched my thirst with Orangina. Another orangina later, with a baguette with frommage, was another needed rest stop.

Late now. Possibly another long hike tomorrow. Bon soire, I think 😉