Today was 9 miles walked and 700′ climbed. An easier day to bring in a tougher week ahead. Our totals are 121 miles walked and 15,100′ of ascent.

We stayed last night in a “converted garage-cum-B&B , without the second ‘B'”! Wonderful hosts, modest accommodations.  The view from their place, however, was amazing!

And, they did have a pool to cool the toes!

The walk today was mostly along the base of a ridgeline, following a very long valley.

We have 2 or 3 days of this, then we start seriously climbing. We’ll hit about 4,000′ in altitude on Saturdsy … so enjoy the flats while you can!

A short note; while the scenery is universally beautiful, it’s not always friendly! This plant

(Stinging nettle) is very common in this area. There are also large varieties that can branch across the trail and snag the unwary Pilgrim (yelp!). We’ve learned to be careful …

French Connections: Here in the countryside, it’s a lot easier to meet people and have conversations. While our French is still miserable (even after 5 years of working on it) we have had good fortune to meet patient French people, who seem genuinely pleased to meet and talk with an American. Just people talking with people. This is one of the reasons we’ve so enjoyed these Caminos; people to people sharing.

We’ve also met Thierry and Elaine, two fellow Pilgrims from France. The friendliest folks you’ll meet. He’s a Harley rider when he’s not hiking (and has the tatoo to prove it!).

They’re walking about our pace, so we see them with regularity and they’re headed to Le Puy, so we should see them some more.

I should note that they are 2 of only 6 Pilgrims we’ve seen in 10 days in the trail.  We’re okay with that.

Au revoir