Seven floors, before lifts existed. I had a broken night with my ankle, but managed to get myself in and out of a bath safely. The trouble with my booted ankle was not only was it still rather painful, but it made getting myself around a very slow business. I had breakfast and then packed …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 11 – Bordeaux to Southwell
The day dawned clear but cold. It was only six degrees. My last walking day on this trip. Always a slightly bittersweet moment. I have had a really marvellous time, and there is something special about knowing that every step forward is one nearer Santiago - but I miss Laurence and home too much, and …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 10 – la Gratade to Bordeaux.
The pensioner pilgrim in action An early trip to the boulangerie for croissants and a baguette for lunch, and then with Fabienne we packed up and set off. Today's walking looked like it was going to be relatively easy. Though there had been rain overnight, it seemed to have cleared away, and the morning was …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 9 – Mussidan to la Gratade
The kitchen at Puyferrat Knowing that we had a long way to go, Fabienne and I had agreed to be up and off early. Our host was nowhere to be seen, but we had a basic breakfast and were away by eight, fully clad for rain. There had been thunder and downpours in the night. …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 8 – Saint-Astier to Mussidan
The hostel was quite a way out of the centre of Périgueux, but it was presided over by the marvellous Jean-Charles, who was most helpful. Jean-Charles says goodbye The first hour and a half of walking involved escaping very dreary town and suburbs, but eventually we got into woodland walking. Fairly up and down, but …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 7 – Périgueux to Saint-Astier
I stayed last night at a Chambre d'Hote on the edge of Thiviers. Dry feet for the first time in three days! It was fine, but I am sure it was not worth three times the cost of staying in a pilgrim hostel. I am using these more, and the experience so far is excellent. …
From The Quire 