The saints seem to dominate the village names. When people ask us where we are going today or tomorrow, its a difficult question to answer because of the long names. I now just remember the last word of the name and let people correct me on the full name. A typical question is where are we completing the camino? I say "St Jean" and they reply back, "ah, St Jean pied de Port". And I respond "qui". French is so easy!
Today's trek was medium difficulty but long, 30km. We phoned ahead for accommodations but could not find one with an available single room. Many of the gites have no or very few private rooms and the reason sometimes to travel longer distances. Also on the weekends many hiking clubs fill up the accommodations, leaving little for pilgrims. To overcome the long distance we took more breaks, but still it was a difficult trek. We arrived to our accommodation at 6pm, tired and thirsty. We lacked energy to explore the town, and went to the store to buy cold drinks and snacks. We had dinner and then to bed early.
Tomorrow should be better, we are only travelling 15km.
The locals where being asked so often how to get out of town, they built a statue. Some trekkers were still confused.
Our first stop was for coffee at a farmhouse, but we got a lot more than coffee. The farmer took us for a tour of his cheese production.
Some locals with a sense of humour, greeting pilgrims.
What a beautiful countryside!
Our 2nd stop was for lunch and the resident cat and dog looking for attention.
Okay, this was the most interesting encounter of a couple from Nicusp British Columbia who rented a donkey in Le Puey and are travelling to Santiago de Compastella, Spain 1500km! Sometimes it is the donkey who decides where to stop. He seems to know when he's had enough. Apparently he is very affectionate.
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