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
I first felt the desire to undertake this pilgrimage over forty years ago when a friend did it. I was fascinated by what I heard. Life intervened, very wonderfully, and I never had the chance until now. This first putting my feet in the water of pilgrimage has been utterly wonderful. Sometimes it is very …
Continue reading Camino Stage 1: Paris to Southwell – first reflections
Day 10: When planning the start of this pilgrimage, I decided to give myself a morning's rest before heading home. So I had a leisurely breakfast and then headed off to explore Chateauroux. Jardin Publique Eglise Saint-Martial The old town was delightful, the modern (19c and later) less so. I wanted to go to mass. …
Continue reading Camino Stage 1: Day 10 Chateauroux to Paris: Turning for home.
After lovely weather yesterday, I was hoping for a bit more of the same. So you can imagine what I thought when I saw this. However, despite moving my wet weather gear to accessible bits of my rucksack, the cloud lightened up and the day settled into being just overcast. Perfect for walking, in fact. …
Continue reading Camino Stage 1: Day 9 Neuvy-Pailloux to Chateauroux 25.5 kms
A hotter day, but with a cooling wind. Much more off-road walking. Very pleasant. Lunch in Issoudun. Issoudun has lots of industry on its outskirts, and lots of retail businesses on its edge, but the impact on the town centre has been terrible. Shop after shop closed down, all looking dusty and abandoned, as if …
Continue reading Camino Stage 1: Day 8.2 Chârost to Neuvy-Pailloux 18 kms
Day 5: Too cold for the daisies to open! The day dawned grey and distinctly chilly, with the potential for rain. I breakfasted and said my goodbyes. I headed off in a novel variation of the official route of my own devising, despite yesterday's challenges. Halfway through my shortcut I ran into a friendly farmer …
Continue reading Camino Stage 1: Day 5 L’Omnie (Couy) to Bourges 22kms
From The Quire 