Trail Markers – Page 3 – Linda Scandore

Show Me the Way ~ September 30, 2015

September 30, 2015
Day 23
Caminno Day 12
Gubbio
18 1/2 miles
Total ascent 2,972 and descent 3,386 feet
8 hours
45-55 degrees

Like the saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” All paths lead to Assisi; however, there isn’t one version. The Cammino Di Assisi may vary from another route by 200 meters or by miles only to rejoin the others routes at a later point.

The “red and white” blaze indicates any route. The other markings indicate specific routes. For me, I follow the “green arrow” which travels along a “red and white” blaze.

Wouldn’t it be nice if they could all agree on one route, one sign.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (TINNY GREEN ARROW ON TOP) towards Gubbio

Motivation ~ Day 33 ~ May 9, 2014

Day 33, May 9
14 miles, 400 miles total
Altitude: unlisted
Weather: overcast, partly cloudy 58-77F
Uzan

Some days you need a little more than other days.

Crosses ~ Day 31 ~ May 7, 2014

Day 31, May 7
11 miles, 367 miles total
Altitude: unlisted
Weather: overcast 58-73F
Aire-sur-l’Adour

Every cross tells a story; though, some stories have no written words.

What a Difference ~ Day 28 ~ May 4, 2014

Day 28, May 4
11 miles, 327 miles total
Altitude: 135 meters
Weather: sunny with partial clouds 38-64F
Montreal-du-Gers

What a difference a day without rain makes. Though the rain had been light, the ground was saturated. A few days ago I discovered the joys a clothes drier could bring. Today no clinging cloying mud and dry cloths off the line.

Morning break was by an old castle, Larresingle, with surrounding walls in tack. I still catch my breath seeing such antiquities.

Jigsaw ~ Day 21 ~ April 27, 2014

Day 21, April 27
13 miles, 238 miles total
Altitude: 400 feet
Weather: sunny and stormy 34-60F
Lascabanes
Au Revoir Joanna

Where I have been.
Where I am going!
Jigsaw Camino.

Kisses ~ Day 13 ~ April 19, 2014

Day 13, April 19
13 miles, 137 miles total
Altitude: 918 feet
Weather: warm and overcast 32-62F
Conques
Joanna arrives!

Leaving Golinhac I met the most irresistible Canadian Landees dog, Titi, on his way to the river for a swim. His owner explained Titi was the most known and best loved in the village. Titi kissed me au revoir.

Joanna, from London, and I arrived at Conques within minutes of each other. We are staying at Accueil Abbaye Sainte-Foy which hosts pilgrims at the abbey. Our co-ed room has eight sets of bunk beds all full. As we got in late, all the bottom bunks were full. The top bunk has the vertue of no one at eye level. The bathroom is semi-coed with mixed use for showers and sinks; yet, separate toilets. People respect everyone’s privacy and are very civil in tight quarters. With 60 attending dinner, a third were welcomed familiar pilgrims I have met these past days. We attended evening high mass during this most Holy Week.

Don’t Do It ~ Day 12 ~ April 18, 2014

Day 12, April 18
21 miles, 124 miles total
Altitude: 2,132 feet
Weather: warm and overcast 38-62F
Golinhac

I heard not to take the established HIGH route out of town even though it is marked. Is there any surprise the Camino “gods” left a message?

Paté vs Gu ~ Day 12 ~ April 18, 2014

Day 12, April 18
21 miles, 124 miles total
Altitude: 2,132 feet
Weather: warm and overcast 38-62F
Golinhac

It’s a good thing I bought a generous slice of paté at Espalion’s market. Not only did it make a wonderful picnic lunch while watching sheep graze; but, it also sustained me when I under counted today’s walk and ran out of water. It did seem to provide more zip than Gu (runner’s energy food). It definitely had a finer taste than Gu. Would paté work as energy food for a marathon? Tips for those running Monday’s Boston Marathon.

Ribbons in the Wind ~ Day 7 ~ April 13, 2014

Day 7, April 13, Palm Sunday

14 miles, 61 miles total

Altitude: 3,579 feet
Weather: warm and sunny
Lasbros

Random ribbons with written messages of encouragement have been hung in trees. From a distance, they are seen twisting like kites in the breeze. Having read the message-ribbon, I took its advise and took a break. Socks and boots off resting my feet in the cool grass and eating a pear having already ate a mini Paris Brest (eclair like pastry) earlier in day. Pilgrimages do burn calories.

Which Way? ~ Day 4 ~ April 11, 2014

Day 4, April 10
9 miles, 19 miles total
Altitude: 1,969 feet
Weather: warm and sunny
Monistrol-d’Allier

So, how does one cross 500 miles of rural France without a GPS or the language? No bread crumbs to follow here; rather, follow the red and white stripes found on trees, pipes, rocks, houses…well just about anything that doesn’t move. Parallel lines mean to continue straight while lines forming an “X” means deviates, do not go. White lines at a “right” right angle mean take the next right; where as, white lines at a “left” right angle mean take a left. Every time a turn is presented all other option are marked with a red and white “X.” When I come to a junction I find myself saying, “This, not that.”

Have I gotten off course? Yes. Yelling does not help. Back-track and all you need to know is there.

Camino magic. Today I passed trail markers, the Hansel and Gretel of the Camino.