Thursday June 13

Mileage: 9.62 Elevation gain: 829 feet

This morning had a lazy start. Breakfast was at 7:15 but when I came downstairs Vincent was still not back from the boulangerie so I went back upstairs. What he should have said last night is that if you want toast you can use the day old bread but if you wanted fresh bread, please wait until he returns. It’s the little things!

Tracie and I sat at the table far too long chatting with Vincent. He’s an interesting young guy (maybe 35-40). He drove the light rail train in Lyon for 10 years and then Covid hit. He had already walked the entire Camino trail from LePuy-en-velay to Santiago de Compestelle so was familiar with the system and decided to look for a Gite to buy. He seems happy with his decision. However he might need some additional cooking tips…

Before leaving town we stopped at the boulangerie for a sandwich. There is no support today (meaning no towns to have lunch etc) so we will find somewhere to sit.

The trail felt easy and the day was gorgeous. We had just under 10 miles to go but nowhere to stop for a break.

We did find a picnic area about 5+ miles into the day which offered cold drinks on the donation system. We shared a ham and cheese baguette purchased before we left town, enjoyed our cold beverages and sat for a while.

We arrived at our Gite early but Veronique welcomed us and showed us our room. We finally had bunk beds so Tracie is on the top 🤣 The interesting thing about this Gite is that it was rebuilt using some original materials. The stained glass windows are pretty but you can’t open them so they added vents into the walls, very small holes with a cap you can use if you don’t want the air.

This Gite is a really great space surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees. Very quiet and peaceful.

Because the day was so warm we were able for the first time to wash and hang our clothes outside – and they were dry before the sun went down. I love those days.

Dinner was creamed potato and pea soup, pumpkin mashed potatoes and sausages, green salad and coffee pudding of some sort. It was all very good.

Ended the evening with a game of pétanque! Hilarious! Two French men, Christian and Pierre, who had been playing the game before dinner asked Tracie and I to play with them. So we did and they were very surprised how well we did. One said we were better than French women.

Tracie’s team won and we both think I got most of the points for my team and Tracie for her team. It’s a great backyard game! I also think Pierre just wanted to hold Tracie’s hand in victory! Haha!!😆

It was the best fun we’ve had in the evening so far. No WiFi at this location so posting will be delayed. No worries I say…

#GR65inFrance #via Podiensis