There are many things about the French Health Service that are admirable. At the level of emergency departments they act fast. Their triaging is much better than ours. They are less stuffy, and doctors, nurses and para-medics are all much nearer to the patients, and they all pitch in. If you have a question that …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 6 – Langon Hospital to Bayonne
The old bridge at Pondaurat Up quite early, and after breakfast, and a picnic Nicole insisted on making up for me, I was off by 8am. My feet were feeling better, and appreciated walking in some soft flat shoes I have with me. But they are only good for road walking, so after 4k, I …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 4 – La Réole to Abbaye de Rivet
La Réole "Listen to your body", they said. Everyone says it. "Listen to your body." The people at pain management say it, so does my doctor, so does my osteopath (the excellent James), and so does Vladimir the scary body-building Moldovan sports masseur, who looks like a dwarf from the Lord of the Rings who …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 3 – Saint Ferme to La Réole
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
From The Quire 