Tuesday June 11

Distance: 10.75 miles Elevation gain: 803 feet

No rain until later this morning so we’re happy. We were hoping to get a sandwich from the Boulangerie but I believe there was a run on sandwiches as there were two left. It looked like meatloaf on a baguette and it was just a little too strange for either of us – because we’re pretty sure it wasn’t meatloaf. We have protein bars and mixed nuts so we’ll make do. If we’re lucky we’ll find some place open along the way. Side note: there was nowhere to stop…

At almost 5 miles the rain started in earnest. We found some cover to stop and put our ponchos on so we were good. I have decided to name Tracie’s poncho Swiss Cheese. it’s very fitting since it has so many holes. She loves it and is hoping it lasts for the trip!

The countryside is so gorgeous. We’ve walked past miles of vineyards. I think some of the vineyards are for Armagnac production. There are traditionally 4 different types of grape used to make this liquor and the map below shows where it’s produced. Armagnac is similar to a brandy alcohol and is the oldest brandy (and liquor) recorded to be still distilled in the world. In 1310 the beverage was first documented but was not traded outside the area until the 15th century.

We walked past sheep and some cows earlier. No lambs seen but we did see baby cows. They’re so cute!

Today we opted for the road due to the forecasted rain and resulting mud. We found a really nice bike route with almost no traffic. Towards the end of the day we connected to the trail and it was a paved path all the way into town. Perfect!

We were hungry as we entered town so found an open restaurant and shared a burger, fries and salad. It was delicious! And the perfect amount of food since we are eating at the Gite tonight which means more food than a person needs – usually.

While we were at the restaurant we visited with a woman we met yesterday, Charleene from Lausanne Switzerland. She’s walking alone and going all the way to Santiago de Compostelle. She mentioned her husband enjoys fishing and has no interest in the long distance walks so she’s traveling alone. As she points out though, she’s never alone and has met so many wonderful people. It helps that she speaks French. Perhaps I’ll get her photo tomorrow…

And finally we arrive at our Gite. It’s a very nice space, lovely hostess and great room. Our room has 2/3 of a bathroom, only missing the toilet.

Our dinner was served at 7 and everyone spoke English. It was a treat! We had one French Canadian woman, a man from Finland and a couple from Melbourne Australia. Great conversation and the men helped me figure out my hiking poles. I could not get them to hold together as one stick and it took them a good 5 minutes to try this and that and voila! The Danish man figured it out. With the mud we’ve been walking through every time I put my pole into the ground, the pole comes out with a hinge unlocked. It is very frustrating and time consuming. Yay! Now I can look normal, or as normal as possible!

Dinner was good. A blended soup, chicken casserole, rice, sautéed carrots and peas, bread, wine and a fruit dessert. the chicken was my favorite part of the meal.

So bedtime now. We will have breakfast at 7 and take the trail tomorrow. Bonsoir!

#GR65inFrance