Day 39 St Palais to Larceveau

Last night we dined outside enjoying escallop veal with again nice french wine. The boys had the most delicious sorbet dessert with vodka poured over. Jane and I were slightly envious!
Today had all the markings of an easy day of 16km to our destination. The day was again going to be hot so off we set in the cool of the morning with fresh feet and a nice feeling to know it was our 2nd to last day !
Our walk became anything but a stroll of 16 km as for some reason as we left the town of St Palais we somehow started following signs of another camino that actually goes to Paris! So after we had walked up hills and down into some steep valleys we began to wonder where the hell we were!
Then we saw a steeple of a church high on a hill so we decided that looked likely to be the church on a ridge we were to pass but once we got there to the top it didnt look right. I tried to to talk English to a man fixing power lines but who only spoke french and he didnt have a clue as to what I was asking and why should he.
Anyway we realised we were going way off trail in a westerly direction. Paris here we come!
It was decided that google maps and walking along roads was the only way to get to our destination.
So the walk turned into a hot slog along long and windy roads with a 400 metre climb up an endless hill. Luckily it wasnt a busy road but enough traffic to keep you alert .
We did have magnificent views over the valleys but the joy of great vistas was a little soured by the knowledge of walking an extra 7km in the heat of the day.
Now we are resting in a fairly comfortable gite with rural views outside and thankful that we still not walking to Paris!
I think we will all sleep well tonight ready for our last day on the Camino Podiensis.
Few photos today as didnt want to be swideswiped by a car while taking a photo!Read more