11 miles of walking brings us to 430 miles, overall. Actually, today was 11 miles walking and 4.5 miles driving. A long story, but we had to change where we stayed and got the new proprietor to pick us up. Diane’s shin, while continuing to improve, was in no mood for more miles.
We seem to have good internet today (hurray!), unlike yesterday when neither wifi nor cellular was working. The truly frustrating part was it was a grandchild’s birthday and we wanted to sing Happy birthday to him. While we tried, it wasn’t the connection we had hoped for.
Them changes: The sun continues to rise last and later each day. Always beautiful, but later.
Them changes: The food. We started with lentils and sausages. Then Aubrac beef. Then Aligot (mashed potatoes with stringy cheese), then duck (17 ways). Recently, the trend has been for eggplant casserole. Today, we saw our first green salad with tuna in it … a Basque/Spanish food. We’re must be getting close!
Them changes: The mountains. Our first glimpse of the Pyrenees was about a week ago. The last three days, we’ve seen the mountains grow closer and closer.
Right now, it appears as if there is only one valley, about 20 miles wide, separating us from the base of the Pyrenees. We’re ready!
Them changes: Music. After completing our walk today and awaiting the ride to the new place, we ate at a nondescript diner. 
Now, the food was good (this is France, after all), but the music was outstanding! The proprietor was playing some excellent Chicaco-style blues, with a little Texas blues thrown in for good measure. We could have stayed there the rest of the afternoon just to listen. Not a French experience, but really nice!
Enough for now. Work to do …
Sounds like the awesomeness of the journey just continues to come, day after day. So glad Diane is having a little improvement. it must be so cool to see those Pyrenees in the distance. I am at the South Bend Airport waiting for the bus to take me back to Chicago. Sad, too, but looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again. love you both
Hi Willow. Yes, these journeys do come to an end … but we can use that valuable bus or train or airplane time to dream up the next visit or adventure. Enjoy the return to home and get yourself ready for your Camino experience. We can’t wait to follow your blog!