Small steps at first and the ‘gotta get planning’ is happening. I’ve been planning work for 2012 and as the diary has been filling up, it’s definitely been time to look at dates so those have been shared with Teresa and I have emailed Ann at http://www.worldwalks.com We’re hoping to cover two sections in 2012 so we can get to the French/Spanish border and would like to start the first one in mid/late April. Not sure as yet if the seasons have started then. Fingers crossed as getting the time in May is going to be difficult. Will keep you [...]
Back on the trail again
Saturday May 7th. Up, breakfasted and off on our way by 9.00 feeling a little apprehensive about this steep climb from the bridge. It’s described as the ‘passage sportif’ and you are strongly warned against it. We though, were not going to be put off and didn’t remember it being that bad. We walked through the town with purpose and remembered our route from the last time and then there was the bridge and a couple of walkers ahead. We wanted to have a photo taken to mark the event and were trying to decide who to ask when a [...]
Heading for the 3 star with pool today, what a treat!
Saturday 25th June Well that was today’s incentive and after a good nights sleep, I woke early and could have had breakfast but the other two were struggling to get their act together – sods law. Oh well, off again and again it’s over 18 miles. Think that perhaps we’ll come earlier next year, walking in mid and high 30 degrees is not what we planned! We’re always chirpy as we set out and our first stop was to get lunch, today bought in a very pretty little Boulangerie where fresh rolls were made up for us. We didn’t get [...]
Oct 3rd and it’s Estaing to Esperyac
This was the autumnal sight that greeted us this morning when we pulled back the curtains, the mist shrouding the hills opposite and the bridge heading towards that mist, all rather grey and dismal. It was much in contrast with the day before when we arrived in sunshine but that’s what you get at this time of the year. Today the route continues along the Lot Valley and then of course there is the daily climb but before that breakfast, always something to be enjoyed even if basic french bread and coffee!! After crossing the bridge we took a right [...]
The day we walked from Nasbinals to St Chely d’Aubrac
September 30th 2009 This was one of the views from our bedroom window, just look at those wonderful overlapping tiles. After breakfast and having bought quiches from the local shop, we stopped to visit the11th century Romanesque church built in local sone and style. There is a monument, with a pair of crutches at its base, in the church to Pierre Brioude a 19th century ‘bonesetter’ and manipulator of joints who is said to have treated over 10,000 people a year. I’m sure many pilgrims will have needed his skills. It’s rather like having my friend Ivana on hand. Shame [...]
The blip before the start.
Teresa is off in the Peak District doing a sponsored walk but is not well so is walking the shorter as opposed to longer route, I know she’ll be disappointed. I went over on my foot yesterday and am keeping my fingers crossed that the discomfort doesn’t develop further. I have a 7/8 mile walk tomorrow to try it out on. We’re off on Thursday and I’ve just been familiarising myself with the section we’re about to walk – Cahors to Lectoure, I got a little shock to realise that the first day is 19.4 miles, that will be an [...]
Look out Camino, here we come.
The next section is now booked, how exciting is that? Teresa and I head out (from Gatwick this time) to fly to Toulouse on May 5th to walk the next part of this fabulous trail. Our trip sees us start with an overnight in Toulouse and much of the next day there too due to plane and train times but this gives us a chance to relax and explore a new city for both of us. No doubt wine, food and coffee will play it’s part as we wander the streets of this Southern French city. Then in the late [...]
Food for thought….
This blog has sporadic postings mainly because much as Teresa and I would love to be walking it continuously, life dictates that we do it in sections and at present that means once a year. So as the next section beckons, I fund myself re-reading all the past postings and experiencing many emotions. There was relief that 3 sections in we have never had to drown each other out with those ipods mentioned in blog number one. Joy and hilarity as just reading words and looking at photos reminded me of the great times and the funny things that had [...]
New blog but not quite up to date yet!
Have finally managed to set up a separate blog for Teresa and my adventures on the Camino. It took a while to do as all blog posts of all my interests were on one blog so a lot of exporting and importing needed to be done but at last I’ve got there. Would love to hear what you think so please do comment below and do follow too. I’m really pleased with it but of course now realise how incomplete it is. Bear with me but I do promise to update it bringing you all the wonderful stories etc from [...]
Balance paid
The balance of the trip is paid and Chris, Teresa and I talked about this walking adventure as we made our way along the Grand Union Canal yesterday. Little did we know as we walked, that the weather in the UK is currently better than that of the southern part of France and Spain where the Camino goes. I’ve told Ann from World Walks to please get things sorted for June 23rd. It feels good to be this close as now we can get excited. Really looking forward to showing Chris around Conques, such a pretty place. Only taxis to [...]