Bits and pieces.
Making the most of a day long foggy walk.
More delight walking now that luggage transportation is available.
Experience has taught me to upgrade whenever possible. I was flabbergasted the lunch the seminary sold me had individually prepackaged food with expiration dates well into 2025. Just as soon as I could buy a fresh baguette, ham, and cheese, I gifted those uneatables to a couple of thrifty pilgrims. As soon as I found a café with fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, I upgraded my lunch. Delicious.
The Camino has gone from famine to feast. For 19 days there were 4 people walking the Camino. This morning there may have been a hundred pilgrims attending the Pilgrims’ Blessing at the cathedral. The day was spent in a frenzy of pilgrims in a crunch to get to the same place.
Much of the walk to Le Puy-en-Velay was on the road and in the rain. Once in Le Puy, the walk was along a quiet city promenade by the river. The cathedral is located in the old center, a tangle of streets. At the cathedral, I sensed more of the religious aspect of the Santiago de Compostelle Camino as this is a major starting point for the Camino. It is where I started ten years ago to walk 1,000 miles. I’m surrounded by many eager pilgrims who will start their walk tomorrow. I feel new anticipation. I have now walked across France from Swiss border to Spanish border.
Few attractive moments between the rain.
Amazingly I have met another solo woman pilgrim. At 78, Godeleine is my inspiration. Godeleine’s name is “God + leiven” (Flemish word for “love” or “liven” in German). She has the same name as Mozart: Amadeus. This amazing woman even navigates “What’s Ap” faster than me.
Moments of spectacular sites come between the rain and hail.
Daily bread from the local boulangerie is customary. Always the passing of friendly words.
Linda Scandore 