Wonderful Gîte Le Chalet du Pèlerin run by former cooking teacher Jean-Claude D. Not only were the meals outstanding but he keeps the true spirit of the Camino alive.
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.
Linda Scandore 