Saugues to Les Faux

Today we covered 26 Km. without too many serious hills or other challengers. The word blister is being heard around the place - with the very wet boots from yesterday it was difficult to avoid a problem. I fared worse than Tim and have a small one which will need bandaid protection tomorrow.

Our room companion last night was a French soldier in his late twenties - he fitted in well to our 3 bed room and decided to awake with us at 5 am. One photo shows him in his two wheel rig and he expects to again cover 40+ Km. 

The other photo shows a couple who have their dogs for company - but have made special " Panier bags" so the dogs carry their own food!

Tonight we are in a gite for 19 and there are only 6 of us - plenty of room and dinner on site at their restaurant.

Tim sends his regards to all,

Geoff

A very different second day

Today we descended 300 m. down to cross the Allier River and a much needed coffee.The 400 m. climb out of this valley was very arduous and seemed to take forever. After about 10 Km. we passed thru' the small hamlet of Montaure and then a stop for lunch of tuna in tomatoes and olives. The background of thunder increased to an all out storm and extremely heavy rain. No option but to keep going!

It poured for the next 7 Km. - the last 4 often in 20 to 30 cm. water as it rushed off the paddocks and used our track for escape.

The photo shows Tim and I drenched and heading into Saugues for the night. 

I am ashamed to report that I did not have spare clothing in plastic bags or the like and so everything is wet!!

Two very different days with 43 Km. covered. Allier River gorges and Railway line made great scenery, We were constantly reminded of Numurkah as we passed many dairy farms which looked prosperous but only had about 50 cows?? Not sure of the breed, but think red Fresian or similar.

Thanks for reading, bye for now,

Geoff

First Day - ex Le Puy en Velay, 24 Km on at Saint-Privat-d'Allier

We left very early from our gite in Le Puy leaving the place in chaos. The other occupants went different ways so I think we got away with it. Le Puy

was a fascinating place. The good restaurants do lentils in a variety of ways. Regional food is cooked

to the highest standard  at very reasonable prices. The local wine was great.

we were able to do a stage walk today which was to Saint P d A. 24 k. we have recovered pretty well.

we will have dinner at the local hotel. maybe not because the owner has just now told me it is not now

possible. We bought bread for breakfast at La Roche after we had met Rose - she is from Barcelona and doing our walk alone in 30 days, while we plan 42! 

Needless to say she politely moved on after our bread and disappeared out of sight. As the day wore on about 6 groups passed us as we slowed!!

  Tim.

Paris and arrival in Le Puy en Velay

geofflepuy@gmail.com

Breakfast 

These photos are selected from the lot taken in our first 2 days..............possibly in reverse order!

1. Looking towards St.Michel Chapel built on one of the volcanic plugs within the town boundary

2. Not o good shot looking back from St.Michel to the main Cathedral

3. Tim excelled himself with charm at lunch!

4. Le Puy lentils as part of the main

5.  Breakfast at Gare de Lyon

6. Work starts early in Paris

7. Friendly guides met along the River Seine

8. A great River from another angle

9. Rue de Rivoli on the way to the Apple shop under the Louvre

A reminder of home before we go!

More arduous preparation!!

A Bastille Day dinner at the RACV Club was difficult to resist - Joan and Don Mason joined us. Frenchman Philippe entertained us at the start while Cremant de Bourgogne washed down the escargot, foie gras parfait cones and the pissaladieres for starters.

This standard of cuisine may not be continued in coming weeks!!

Will Tim and I look like this after 42 days??

The bare bones of our 42 days walking the Camino from Le Puy-en-Velay to St.Jean Pied de Port.

This walk is 738 Km. in length - we will tackle it over 42 days, starting with the train trip from Paris via St.Etienne to Le Puy-en-Velay on Friday 26th.July . If we make the train changeover of 7 minutes should be at our destination early afternoon!!.
When comparing with the Hume Hwy. the main towns are as follows........
Melbourne - Le Puy-en-Velay
Seymour - La Chaze du Peyre
Benalla - Espeyrac
Wangaratta - Figeac
Albury - Cahors
Holbrook - Moissac
Tarcutta - Castet-Arrony
Yass - Barcelonne du Gers
Goulburn - Castetnan-Camblong
Mittagong - St.Jean Pied de Port

This walk is part of "The Way of St.James" over about 1500Km. from one of 4 areas of France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It has been used by pilgrims for over 1000 years and still travels through the same villages etc.

With 2 weeks to go before leaving Aus. the attention is on selecting the final gear list and keeping the pack to about 12 Kg. The rest will have to be learned on the way although apparently there are many Gites or Hostels to find accommodation if you arrive early enough in the afternoon. We are taking summer sleeping bags, ground sheets and a light bivouac type tarp to camp in if the opportunity exists.

That's enough for now, next post will be after a few days "on the track" !!

P.S. - To try and reply to us via this blog is quite problematic - it has been recommended that email is far easier so my email address is as follows..... Geofflepuy@gmail.com

Cheers for now,
Geoff.