Frenzy – June 2, 2024

  • Francès ~ Podiensis Camino -#20 LePuy-en-Velay / St Privatd’Allier
  • Distance: 12.6 miles / Total 259.2 miles
  • Ascent: 1,936’ / Descent: 1,290’
  • Time: 9 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 45-55°/ light rain, overcast (10th day of rain)

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.

Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy.
Classic send off photo.
Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy.
Frenzy.

In Le Puy – June 1, 2024

  • Francès ~ Gebennesis Camino – #19 St Julien-Chapteuil / Le Puy-en-Velay
  • Distance: 13 miles / Total 246.6 miles
  • Ascent: 624’ / Descent: 1,978’
  • Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
  • Weather: 45-55°/ light rain, overcast (9th day of rain)

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.

Statue of Notre-Dame de France.
Yep, I climbed to the top.
Statue of Notre-Dame de France.
Rocher St Michel d’Algihe.
Yep, I climbed to the top.
Rocher St Michel d’Algihe.

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.