Author: Linda

Inspiration – May 31, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #18 St-Jeures / St Julien-Chapteuil
  • Distance: 12 miles / Total 233.6 miles
  • Ascent: 1,239’ / Descent: 1,978’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 42-50°/ light rain, hail, overcast (8th day of 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.

Godeleine having spent time in Boston and San Francisco spoke impeccable English. One sharp lady.
Living in the French Alps, walking in the mountains is natural. Although, climbing has become slower. I could say the same. I really liked her Scarpa shoes.
Least expected in the hail.
Different perspective.

Moments – May 31, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #18 St-Jeures / St Julien-Chapteuil
  • Distance: 12 miles / Total 233.6 miles
  • Ascent: 1,239’ / Descent: 1,978’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 42-50°/ light rain, hail, overcast (8th day of rain)

Moments of spectacular sites come between the rain and hail.

What resembles a “pimple” in the landscape are the remains of volcanic eruptions.
What resembles a “pimple” in the landscape are the remains of volcanic eruptions.
May has been unseasonably cooler and wetter.
All churches are at the top of the areas tallest hill. The Camino walks past each one.

Daily Bread – May 31, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #18 St-Jeures / St Julien-Chapteuil
  • Distance: 12 miles / Total 233.6 miles
  • Ascent: 1,239’ / Descent: 1,978’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 42-50°/ light rain, hail, overcast (8th day of rain)

Daily bread from the local boulangerie is customary. Always the passing of friendly words.

Daily baguette. 
Many baguettes.
Newer version of the classic marble bistro table. It’s just not the same in plastic.
But of course!
The daily yellow French mail truck.

Turf – May 30, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #17 Montfaucon-en-Velay / St-Jeures
  • Distance: 12.7 miles / Total 221.6 miles
  • Ascent: 1,448’ / Descent: 1,007’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 55-60°/ overcast, blue skies with clouds

Today’s turf.

Ever wonder where all the rain goes?
Clouds. Not rain clouds.
The walking goal for today is church centered on horizon. No hurry. No rain.
Tonight’s Gîte.  Ooh La La.

Folks – May 30, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #17 Montfaucon-en-Velay / St-Jeures
  • Distance: 12.7 miles / Total 221.6 miles
  • Ascent: 1,448’ / Descent: 1,007’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 55-60°/ overcast, blue skies with clouds

Folks in passing.

Farmer. 1805 date on transom.
He owns Pork and Beams.
She carries a wine glass. Go French.
A collection of hikers. None carry a wine glass. French?
Cappuccino, good anytime.

More – May 29, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #16 Les Setoux / Montfaucon-en-Velay
  • Distance: 11.4 miles / Total 208.9 miles
  • Ascent: 1,260’ / Descent: 2,004’
  • Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Weather: 55-65°/ overcast, 10-minute rain, patchy sun (7th day of rain)

It worked for Madonna. Her titled song “More inspired these photographs.

Spiraling stamen.
Make a wish and blow.
He stopped and asked directions.
That way.

Franck- May 29, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #16 Les Setoux / Montfaucon-en-Velay
  • Distance: 11.4 miles / Total 208.9 miles
  • Ascent: 1,260’ / Descent: 2,004’
  • Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Weather: 55-65°/ overcast, 10-minute rain, patchy sun (7th day of rain)

Franck has been following me since Genèva. He kept noticing my name in the church guest books. Last night he finally caught up with me. We were staying at the same Gîte. Serendipity. We had the most pleasant conversations. I left first this morning knowing he would catch up with me. We walked a bit then Franck pushed ahead at his faster pace. At the next church to his astonishment he saw my signature in the church book. While he stopped for a coffee, I had walked past unnoticed. He caught up with me at the end of the town. Now I follow Franck. I will sign my name under his name in church guest books.

Gîte Le Combalou is where Franck caught up with me. Host Fred was truly special choosing to take time between preparing our meal and cutting the grass to talk. I suggested a goat could do his lawn.
Franck catches up to me.
Franck moves ahead at his pace. I am honored to be his closest connection on this Camino.
“What! I am still following Linda.” Franck.
Franck catches up to Linda. Like the story of the hare and the tortoise. Slow and steady wins.

All – May 29, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #16 Les Setoux / Montfaucon-en-Velay
  • Distance: 11.4 miles / Total 208.9 miles
  • Ascent: 1,260’ / Descent: 2,004’
  • Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Weather: 55-65°/ overcast, 10-minute rain, patchy sun (7th day of rain)

All in a day’s walk.

Leaving Gîte.
Stone bridge.
He rides the horses for pleasure.
At each intersection my head rotates like an owl’s head turning in search for its next meal. Looking all around, I scan for the direction signs. The signs are uniformly placed at a height of 5 1/2 feet high. No sign at this junction. I drop my gaze and found a sign cleverly left by another pilgrim.