Travel went smoothly. It was much too long, but I can't complain when it was mostly on time. We arrived at our inn, chambres d'hôtes, at 6:30, with 30 minutes to shower off two days of travel and get to dinner. Piece of cake. The homemade dinner of soup, garden veggies, salmon, bread, wine, water, and ice cReam was served in the garden.
My French was not quite up to the fast paced conversation around us, but I did okay for being day 1.
Our room was spacious and comfortable. Breakfast was abundant. We met a couple from Seattle and walked with them part of the day.
The only thing less than perfect about this first day of walking is that my feet and legs really got tired. Not unexpected for the first day, but I always hope they will be so ready from training that they won't notice!
The temperature was in the low 60s most of the day. We walked a bit over 12 miles, mostly along a canal . . . Therefore FLAT. Last nights hosts recommended an inn for tonight and called to get a reservation. We are in Auvillar at the St Jacques.
Auvillar is a hilltop village so we climbed a steep hill for the final mile but otherwise it was perfect for Florida flatlanders' first day. The place is super quaint, half-timbered and probably over 100 years old. The hosts haven't shown up yet but left the door open for us so we are resting in the living room.
Last nights hosts said we need to reserve for several days because this is a holiday weekend everyone is off for Ascension Thursday,believe it or not so they whole country is taking a 4 day weekend and going hiking, or so it seems.
During our lunch break we made reservations for Fri and Sat. So we are in good shape.
It has clouded over since we got to Auvillar and the temps are dropping. Tomorrow is 90% chance of rain, hopefully quitting by later morning.
Onward!
RSS Feed