We received an email from our friend Pat the other day (sorry I haven't replied yet Pat - and to others I owe a reply to. I've fallen a bit behind). Anyhoo, Pat commented that I don't really write about the walking and whether it's difficult. It's a good point. And I think I'll write about that some more on another post. We've had rain, wind and cold, difficult terrain, lots of tricky climbing - some challenging days, for sure. But despite a flat path and great weather today, I think that it was the toughest so far for Domi and for me.
For a start, 35 kms is a big ask whatever the conditions. We walked for 9 hours, with about a half hour break to eat lunch. We left the abbeye gite at 8.15 and arrived at our gite in Les Casses at 5.15. The terrain was fairly flat - and the scenery was lovely as usual. The problem was that the first 5 hours were on hard paved roads - small roads, but roads nonetheless. It's a killer on the feet, ankles and knees. So, after our lunch stop, we were very relieved that almost the whole afternoon we walked on a lovely shaded path beside La Rigole, a small canal that feeds into the Canal du Midi. It didn't come a moment too soon. Our feet were burning.
But beside the canal, the hours went by - slowly - and eventually we were almost at Les Casses. After almost nine hours, there was a kicker - a climb to the village for the last kilometre. Not fair! But we should have known, the Camino always offers a gift when you need it most. We found our way to our gite, La Passeur-Elle, and the lovely Mme Christian Lambin. As soon as we opened the gate to the garden, our spirits lifted. Such a peaceful place to rest and recuperate a little. What a treat after such a long day.
More tomorrow. Time to massage my feet - and then sleep. The French is way ahead of me!
J x
