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Camino Santiago via Podiensis
  • Sarah Naylor

Camino Santiago via Podiensis

So once again 4 retirees are about to embark on another slightly longish walk of 780 km through a fair bit of french country . Læs mere
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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    The templars signEmpty churches on a Sunday1Almond pastries for morning teaRugby chat and pastriesLunch timeCute bedroom for the nightA very noisy gooseNuclear power stationRolling countrysideVillage market this morning in an old grain market shed

    Day 23 Auvillar to Miradoux

    28. september, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We had a delicious duck confit last night with goat cheese starter( Brian not a fan on the cheese) The Rest of us are enjoying goats cheese as its much milder than home.
    Early bed and woke to a beautiful sunrise and off we set for our 17km walk.
    Of course being a Sunday we didn't expect much to be opened but were pleasantly surprised to have 2 villages with cafes opened . Lee decided at our morning tea stop that we must try the almond pastries. What a great decision that was and after all it was Sunday! We had great chats with 2 French men from near Conques and they LOVE rugby.
    Onwards we went through near empty towns and empty churches again wondering where is everyone!
    There was a big nuclear power station we could see in the distance. The countryside was pretty without being remarkable but very pleasant walking.
    I missed it but the other 3 saw the first view of the Pyrenees which is our end point. A way to go yet but it's 3 weeks today since we started.
    The soil is parched so some of the sunflower crops look pretty stunted.
    We are now at a very cute town and in a farm gite where a big harvester was rolling over sunflower fields.
    The host here also loves rugby. I can smell wonderful flavors coming from the kitchen.
    A slow Sunday sort of day. Wouldn't a roast leg of lamb and mint sauce be nice!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    1Dinner last night with beautiful onion soup to start
    Watching the rugbyEarly morningGetting those shoes on!Huge garlicLeaving MiradouxRolling hillsMore sunflowersCoffee stop outside a chow here trees starting.to tirnWooden pilgrimsDrinks time after the walkLectoure311

    Day 24 Miradoux to Lectoure

    29. september, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today was a very relaxed 16 km walk although we did experience heat for the first time in a few days.
    Our accommodation last night was special as our hosts Marilyn and Michel were so hospitable sitting at the table with us as if we were old friends. They hardly spoke and English but we did have another French couple who spoke very good English so we all managed well. Plus Jane is very good now with her French and can communicate very well. It's so nice at times to be part of a French household and we even had the young border collie x wanting us to throw a ball through dinner. We had a 4 course dinner including pork terrine and beautiful wines. We are now in the area of gascogne wines.
    Michel loves his rugby and supports Toulin where Maa Nonu plays so Brian and Lee very happy to sit and watch some of the game
    Today the sun was shining all day and luckily quite a bit of the walking was under thickets of oak trees. Lots of rolling pastures with newly ploughed ground and the last of the sunflowers.
    Lectoure is another beautiful town ( aren't they all) but feel this town has more of a lively feel with tree lined streets and beautiful homes.
    It has roman and gallic history and is known for garlic and melon growing as well as the armagnac brandy. Have only tried it once which is probably a good thing!
    We ended our walk with drinks in a gorgeous bar overlooking the valley of rolling hills.    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Leaving de Bastard Hotel
    Choosing our tomatoesPretty garden by the grain marketGrain market hallWhere we are!Jane getting her horse and donkey fixLooking through the gateBotanical garden entranceCloisters in RomieuSad farewell to FrancisEeawwwBest part of the day!1Fields fields and more fieldsRomieu getting closerCoffee with PeterOutside the conventArriving in Romieu

    Day 25 Lectoure to Romieu

    30. september, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We woke to a beautiful autumn day with not a cloud in the sky. After the heat of yesterday we thought we would set off early so after one of our nicer breakfasts we set off.
    It was a stunning walk leaving Lectoure and we had to leave the town via the old castle with views looking out to the valleys as far as the eye could see.
    Lectoure is definitely a place I would go back to , but no lingering on this trip!
    The walk was pretty similar to yesterday but a bit longer . The trees are starting to colour a bit more every day. The fields go on for ever and no fences and hardly any stock.
    We met up again with the Montana couple and their dog who looked ok but had to walk another 32k.
    Peter the German and Francis the Frenchman walked and shared coffee with us today and sadly we farewelled Francis whom we won't see again.
    After 20 k and walking from 830 to 230pm we walked into yet another gorgeous town called La Romieu with a big Church and its towers Romieus beautiful soft sand colour bricks and pale blue shutters of the buildings make it so pretty.
    What was different about today's entrance to the town was that there was a beautiful botanic garden we passed and then avenues of trees. Unfortunately after 6 hours of walking I didnt have the will to walk through the gardens. The town is surrounded by orchards of plum trees but unfortunately none left on the trees
    The town is famous for its story of the cats. In 1342 after years of famine all the cats in the town has been eaten . A young girl Angeline had hidden her 2 cats in the attic so as not to be eaten . The next year the crops were bountiful but there was a plague of rats who were eating the crops so Angeline offered her cats to kill the rats as long as they were looked after. The cats saved the day and now there are stone sculptures cats on the houses.
    Our hotel last night was called Le Bastard and tomorrow we are walking to Condom!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
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    Day 26 Romieu to Condom

    1. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today was a fabulous walk for 3 reasons..it was only 14 km, the weather was a perfect autumn day and the countryside was beautiful.
    We had a great meal last night of guinnea fowl ( cross between duck and chicken) and a beautiful dessert if armagnac berry compote and a cream custard. Our Camino friend Dorothy was there but she was shaken as had had a nasty fall cutting her face and arm. With lots of sympathy and chat we had our dinner. Does anyone of our vintage know a Dorothy? She is very English and there is nothing Dorothy doesn't know! It must be hard though travelling on your own when things go wrong. She loves NZ as herbrother married a kiwi.
    We made it into Condom by 1230 so settled in for a delicious lunch of Italian food.
    Condom is a pretty town set on a river. It's the home of the 3 musketeers . The name Condom comes from the gallic condate- o - magus which means market of the confluence. Condom is the center of the Armagnac industry.
    On our walk today we read in the guide book we would be passing a lake but for us kiwis you could hardly call it a lake! It was more of a dam with cropping right up to it's shores so not the most attractive body of water . There were lots of grape vines and beautiful fields of horses with an old Abbey in the mix.
    France countryside at its best.
    Rest day tomorrow but not sure there will be lots to see which is good. We can rest!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Our hotel by the river
    View of the CathedralMet some cool dudesBeautiful shopsMore beautiful thingsKumara plants used everwhere for filler in containers. Am going to try itLunch time in the wonderful outdoor area. No fois grass yetLoving the grande beers!

    Day 27. Rest day in Condom

    2. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Am sitting out in the pretty garden of Condom ( quite getting use to the name now!)
    The sun is shining and have just had a wonderful leg and foot massage which I think was well needed if an indulgence. We have all had them .
    We have done very little today and so nice not to be walking most of the day as a change of pace.
    After a leisurely breakfast we lazed in our room with sun streaming in and caught up with messaging phone calls and reading. Then it was a stroll around the town and there were even a few shops open and a few shoppers but pretty quiet really. I don't think this area is experiencing an economic boom at present.
    A couple of the boutique shops had some gorgeous clothes. They use such beautiful buttons and trims here that you don't see at home. Unfortunately any shopping will have to be done at the end of our stay.
    We had lunch back at the hotel in the garden enjoying lots of autumn sunshine.
    Tomorrow we start our 11 day schedule to the end but we may even shorten our long 28 km days by getting a taxi for 10km or so. Will see how we all tracking.
    Again thanks for all the messaging and support as just being bothered to read this blog is great as it's been going for awhile and maybe getting tedious.
    Hope spring treating you all well    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Peaceful walk
    Morning tea on side of road. Apples and nutsLots of ploughingOld gatesMain street of MontrealLove the old doorsMore of main street.Our friendly French waiterView from our windowHappy 4Cauliflower soupNaughty Brian with the armagnac snuck into our glasses1

    Day 28 Condom to Montréal

    3. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    It was back on the trail again today for a pretty easy 17km walk.
    We had a great meal out lastnight in a restaurant Jane chose. Normally all our meals that were prepaid are at the gites we stay at and there is no choice in what you get. Lastnight was one of 3 nights on the trip where we had to find and pay for our own meal. It was a set menu where you could choose the 48euro or the 28 euro so it was 28 for us! First course was cauliflower soup with scallops and a blob of chocolate! Totally delicious if different. Main was pork fillet mignon and the dessert was meringues with a pumpkin puree! A bit weird but also delicious! Brian then sneaked out his small bottle of armagnac which we ended our meal with after enjoying the local red wine with the meal.
    The walk today was through some very overgrown treed areas but pretty. Then it was more vineyards and fields being ploughed. Plus a very old roman bridge.
    Suddenly Montreal seem to appear just in time for a late lunch. There was not 1 toilet or café on the walk so it was nice to have a yum lunch of courgette pasta salad and the most delicious lemon meringue pie! The boys wanted 1 each but we persuaded them to just halve them. Such disappointment for them!
    Montreal is one of the oldest fortified towns and founded in the 1200s with of course a beautiful old church.
    Our accommodation is pretty amazing in a very old building with big wide oak floorboards and big old wardrobes .
    Its been a restful afternoon.
    There is a big storm hitting the north of England over the weekend so we are hoping it doesn't come down here. It was cloudier today but nice for walking.    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Battlement at Montreal
    A bit of reinforcement for the church window2Inside the beautiful church1Optometrist window dressing for HalloweenCentral squareGetting ready for the rugbyOur hotel / gite tonightView from our windowJane passed a pretty garden so took photo for mePretty wooded pathLove all the old gatesLots of pate and terrineNote the head still on the pigeon!The stairs we have to lug our suitcases up. No lifts

    Day 29 Montreal Gers to Eauze

    4. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Today proved to be a bit of a frustrating day for 3 out of 4 of us.
    We decided last night over dinner that as the ABs were playing at 1145 am French time and if we could get a ride to Eauze we would not do the walk and instead watch the rugby.
    By chance our charming host Roland said he would be happy to take us to Eauze. As there is no show of uber in this area we were more than happy.
    We again had another delicious but very rich meal last night of 3 courses sitting at the table with a very nice French couple who are also hiking the Camino. The main dish was like a duck cottage pie!
    Its amazing how every meal is so different.
    So this morning our adventurous pilgrim Jane set off to walk the 17km on her own while we waited for Roland to pick us up in his smart range rover. Enroute he drove us to yet another beautiful town of France called Fources which is very unique due to a round central square not a square one. Fources was beautiful and is famous for its flower markets in the spring.
    Roland and his partner live very close and think are investing in old derelict houses and doing them up. Plus he owns 3 shops and is about to spend a week doing the Christmas decorations for his very boutique shop. I think he is very creative. When he dropped us off in Eauze he wanted no mon ey and was almost insulted we offered some.
    We then found the cafe de Paris which was to be showing the rugby and luckily the man was happy to play it. The boys settled in for a coffee followed by beers but sadly when the game started the Chanel wouldn't load no matter how many times he tried. So over fish and chips for lunch we had to resort to stuff updates and zb commentary. Meanwhile we had met Derek from Ohope who was thrilled to meet some other kiwis and joined us for lunch and conversation. He has been traveling solo but had to rest for a week with bad shin splints. Good to hear the ABs won but all a bit frustrating not to watch it.
    Jane said the walk was very pretty mainly under paved trees.
    Eauze has a beautiful church dominating the central square and we are still very much in the grape and armagnac area.
    We are definitely walking tomorrow!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Ducks galore
    Old house with a big wine barrel out the sideA country walkPretty streetLunch at the St Christi churchThe pretty old abbey. Beautiful lightsGate out from cemeteryDorothy farewelledTrout farmsBull ringPorche at the hotel. One of the car nutsHow about a McClaren

    Day 30 Eauze to Nogaro

    5. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today a 21km walk .
    Yet another delicious confit meal last night with the boys ending the meal with a nightcap of armagnac. Dorothy joined us for dinner and we heard lots more about Dorothys life. There is no Dot about Dorothy and has had quite a life as a lawyer/writer/ and an instructor of flight instructors oh and also a yoga teacher! She did however enjoy her dinner with us and we will not see her again much to Lee's disappointment 😔.
    The rain fell lightly in the night and we geared up for a wet walk but actually the morning cleared into a beautiful day. The walk was through pretty countryside and lots of oak forests, vineyards, even a few sheep withonly 1 village to stop at. The village Manciet had a bullring but apparently only cows are used. All sounds ghastly. We also passed a series of lakes/dams where trout are farmed.
    We had hardly seen a pilgrim until then.
    Our next stop was our picnic lunch at an old cemetery and St Christi church, so in good company we ate our delicious baguettes ham tomatoes and the local cheese and my jar of mustard.
    A bit of a nutter came along telling us goodness knows what but he was very energetic of what he was saying. He was on bike and we worried he was going to follow us!
    There is a huge classic car rally going on here in Nogoru this weekend so can hear the cars in the distance. This town has more of a Basque feel about it but we are still in the armagnac region but I think leave it tomorrow ( boys will be sad!)
    All going well and less than 200 km to go. Proud of the team of 8.
    Forgot to mention the farm we passed of white ducks. They all looked pretty happy.    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
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    Walking walking with faint view of Pyrenees in the distanceLying under an elm for lunchRiver viewsCrossing river at Aire sur L' Adore1Beautiful old bed in our gite

    Day 31 Nogaro to Aire sur L'Adore

    6. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today was not quite the day we had planned..
    Last nights dinner was something out of Fawlty Towers but instead of 1 Basil there were 3. However we eventually got our meal of salmon and were happy. Over dinner we decided that as today was going to be such a long walk and the last 10km or so were alongside a road, Jane would organise an uber to pick us up from a town approx 10k from our end destination.
    Off we set this morning quite relaxed thinking we only had a 17km walk. It was a beautiful day and the walk again very pleasant apart from sound of race cars zooming around the race track in Nogaro.
    Eventually we got to our what we thought end destination of the walk and had a picnic lunch.
    Uber was meant to arrive at 2pm but by 10past 2 no show of an uber so it was shanks pony for the next 14 km. We did try putting our thumb out ut the roads were very rural so not much traffic.
    There were no cafes open the whole way as Monday neither shops or cafes open up..
    We are now in the pretty quite busy town of Aire sur L'Adore on the river .
    We again today saw the outline in the distance of the Pyrenees.
    30km walk today and 8 very tired feet.
    We are staying in a beautiful old house run as a gite. The elderly lady who runs it is quite a character and everything very old and very French..
    We will hopefully sleep well tonight    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Leaving in the cool of the morning
    2Yum yum!Pyrenees in distanceLunch stopEnjoying that baguette!Pretty riverThe gite roomsOur gite tonight1Cute little balcony bedroomLee writing his blog on the armchair in their bathroom!Note the curtain for toilet privacy!Sitting room

    Day 32 Aire sur L'Adore to Miramont

    7. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Today a hot 18 km hike .
    After a night with a very hospitable Madame we set off on quite a chilly morning . Madame gave us a delicious breakfast in a beautiful dining room and she was filled with pride of her presentation of breakfast. Unfortunately the ornate bed had a dreadful kapoc mattress but we were so tired it didnt really matter. The toilet too was behind a curtain near the bed! Glad no squiffy tums!
    Anyway back to the walk which was pretty in parts with more oak forests and round a part of a lake ( what they call a lake) A lot of the walk though was along small rural roads with lots of jets doing their thing. We lunched on the side of a path enjoying the tasty food of the boulangerie we bought our lunch when leaving town. There were no cafes or villages along the way.
    Again we had beautiful views of the Pyrenees. The highest point is 1000 feet lower than Mt Cook.
    Apparently agriculture becomes more intense in this area with the use of irrigation pivots. Hardly any stock to be seen
    Tonight we are in a very attractive gite , in the country with a lovely garden . We are about to find the Spears and have a nice glass of french wine.
    7 more days of walking!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Leaving Miramont
    Sun rising over the cemeteryPoor ducksHappy cowsAnother beautiful old gateWalking towards mountainsView from up high at PimboAzarcq streetOur host RaoulChooks on the loose1The farm shedRoosters at the gateIt was a steep hill!11

    Day 33 Miramont to Hagetaubin

    8. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We had another tasty meal lastnight sittng around a gorgeous old oak table in the kitchen of the gite with 5 french ladies who spoke very little english but somehow we managed to have a bit of chat. A couple were makers of champagne and they were not fond of the red wine served at the table. Of course us kiwis loved the wine!
    Today was one of the best walks weve had lately. Mainly due to a few good hills, cooler temperatures ( until about midday) and it was 19 km. The scenery too was a bit different with lots of cows and a couple of fois gras places where white ducks paddled around unaware of their destiny.
    We walked for about 10 km and were really looking forward to hava coffee in a village called Pimbo where we had heard that the cafe had great views towards the Pyrenees but we should know by now that of course nothing was open and the Pyrenees were shrouded in cloud. We did stop for a break and one of the walkers found a coffee machine with an honesty system.
    On we trod as the day was starting to get hot and we had a few steep hills to climb. The plan was to get to a village called Arzacq, have a late lunch and then our host Raoul was going to pick us up as we are staying of the camino trail.
    We had thought Arzacq would be quite big as there is a train station there. But once again a very small place and for awhile wandered around looking for a place to eat. Eventually Brian spotted a sign to an Italian restaurant so we were all very happy.
    Raoul was to pick us up at 3pm at the church but when 3 pm rolled by and no Raoul we began to think again it might be foot transport ( not good after wines beers and a big lunch) Eventually Raoul turned up not speaking a word of english in his trusty old car and off we went. Raoul drove like a bat out of hell even checking his phone enroute. He kindly drove us to look at an old chateau before arriving at our farm house. Its a very different sort of accommodation and video below. We thought by mistake we had let the chooks out so poor Jane was clambering in an old shed trying to shoo them out and Lee was directing!
    I feel like we are in a time warp in the middle of nowhere.
    Dinner will be interesting but we saw a case of rose at bottom of stairs so am sure all will be well.    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Raoul getting the wine ready
    The red wine flowingHappy dinnerBirthday surpriseModel of the house in 1660Beautiful old bit of furnitureDining room2Painting of RaoulPink ribbon day is huge here and lots of pink umbrellasA WW 1 memorial to all the " children" of France who died in the warWalking towards the PyreneesMore old gates even at run down farms4Persimmon treePretty rose and houseChatting to family this morning in our pretty bedroom1

    Day 34 Hagebautin to Maslacq

    9. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Firstly thankyou for all the birthday wishes from near and mainly far. Its quite a different sort of birthday to my kiwi ones!
    We had a very unique dinner last night but was totally wonderful and we decided that would be my birthday dinner going on NZ time!
    Raoul and his brother Louis ( both bachelors) cooked the meal and their couson Jozef came to be the interpreter. Plus we had the 2 men from Quebec who are french speaking but have pretty good english. The meal was delicious , pumpkin soup, duck breast and ratatouille and an apple pie. Of course all the produce was from the farm.
    The red wine was flowing and was fantastic followed by armagnac so could not have been a better night. Jozef had been a librarian for 39 years and a very interesting person.
    This morning we were all up and at breakfast by 8. To my surprise Raoul had found sparklers and candles and put them in a croissant for my birthday with much delight! We had a good nosey around the house as its just a treasure trove. Louis is a painter and Raoul had made a model of the house as it was in 1660! Raoul was then out feeding his ducks for fois gras which we didnt want to see!
    Raoul then drove us in his scary way to Arthez and sadly we said goodbye. He wanted no money for the wines even the Chateau de Neuf of 2018!
    As it was my birthday my present was to only have to walk 10 km. It was a great walk although the Pyrenees were covered in cloud but lovely woodlands of chestnuts oaks and hazlenuts. Plus purple crocus growing wild.
    Luckily we had bought lunch at Arthez as when we arrived at Maslacq there was not 1 shop open so its not exactly a party town. It is by the river Gave and population if 890 but goodness knows where they all are. The only 2 shops seem permanently closed but of course there is a beautiful old church and some pretty gardens with rambling roses. Our gite seems very nice and we seem to know all the other pilgrim walkers staying here tonight so a happy night ahead I am sure.
    5 more days of 🚶‍♀️    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    River Gave
    Misty morning setting offMore old gatesBucolic setting1Lovely old dog at pilgrim rest spotTempting to rest but think couch could have a life if its ownFarm housePretty3Beautiful autumn colour1Lunch time2Rest timeMisty morning start3Our gite this morning

    Day 36 Maslacq to Navarrenx

    10. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Last night another meal all around a big table with mainly french speaking people but an Irish couple living in Sydney now have joined the gang of walkers. Our young host Phillipe cooked us a delicious meal of roast chicken beans and potatoes and a sweet potato dish with beautiful salads first. Brian was in heaven as was a tad over duck! Dessert was apple pie and ice cream and a big happy birthday singsong with candles in the pie. My birthday had been going for 35 hours!
    Today we set off early on a misty morning as there was to be a few big hills to master and the day was going to be hot.
    It was a great walk mostly and the hills were ok but good to get to the top of . This area seems not so isolated and the houses seemed grander . We walked through many areas of towering old oaks and chestnuts and quite a few cows grazing with the odd field of mature corn.
    The great treat was that there was a cafe enroute which lately has been a rarity. We then picnicked in a field 2 thirds of the way through and about 3 pm walked into Navarrenx which seems quite busy with even a few shops open. Our hotel is ok but often the smell of dirty drains prevails. How old are their drains!
    A rose and a beer were the order of the day in the town square.
    Navarrenx sits beside a beautiful river Gave d'Oloron and is again old and historic ..with of course a church    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Part of old fortification in Navarrenx
    Bridge on way outStill smiling after 37 days!Pretty streamMaybe not able to bring back1Our little friendLunch by the riverWe walked up that valleyPyrenees in the distance beyond the corn fieldsA couple of new matesThe fortificationOur gite garden tonight

    Day 37 Navarrenx to Aroue

    11. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today was a 21km walk with the last 5 km being the hottest and longest km!
    We had a very tasty meal last night at our hotel of Calamari and frites. I didnt realise until half way through that i was eating baby octopus! I was so hungry that I still ate it and it was totally delicious.
    Today was another stunning Autumn day and we set off throught the old Italian fortification walls and over the river.
    The first half of the walk was very pleasant through leafy paths under huge chestnut trees and lots of birdsong. We crossed over some streams which we dont see many of. After 10km we came to a "pate factory " where there was a huge variety of pate in tins plus fois gras. The best thing was that the very friendly man had coffee which was very welcome.
    The walk after that became a bit of a slog as the sun was beating down with not much shade. At one stage a little foxy befriended us and was trotting behind Brian and we were worried he was going to follow us the whole way but luckily he peeled off.
    We managed to find a lovely shady spot by a river for our lunch that we had taken from the breakfast buffet table .
    After that it was really a bit of a hard slog with quite a bit of it by the road and geting hotter and hotter.
    Finally we arrived in the very small village of Aroue anf a modern gite set in a lawn of trees with the sound of cow bells in the distance.
    Its been wonderful to see the Pyrenees looming larger as we walk along even if they dont seem to show much in the photos. We are now in Basque country.    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    Early morning
    On the road again with our beagleLooking over to PyreneesSt PalaisLong sunday lunchBeautiful old chateau now a private schoolLeaving our gite this morning

    Day 38 Aroue to St Palais

    12. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We woke to another beautiful morning and thankfully the church had not chimed all night so managed to have a pretty good sleep.
    Off we set again on actually quite a busy road at 830am as wanted to not be walking in the late afternoon. We were not sure exactly how long todays walk was going to be as quite a few versions . We have long since not relied on exact distances..
    It was another very pretty rural walk with quite alot of hunting going on in the area and had yet another dog befriend us who was a gorgeous old beagle with a bell around his neck. He ran across a paddock towards Lee and didnt want to leave us so we in the end shooed him away.
    There were some unusual sheep with horns and happy pigs. One thing that isnt very nice is when we go pass poultry farms. They stink and it would almost put you off chicken!
    The buildings are now changing to a more basque like
    style with white plaster buildings and red roofs and shutters.
    Finally with not much of a stop as of course no cafes, we walked into the pretty town of St Palais with a gorgeous old church and quite a vibrant street of restaurants so it wasnt long before we were settled under an elm tree having tapas and beer and wine. The waitress spoke very good English and had worked in Queenstown for 6 months. Jane and I were hoping maybe a few shops may be open but not one as is very normal in this area.
    We were more than happy to rest for the afternoon. The 4 of us have only 2 more days together and are still laughing. We have a few inhouse jokes ( dont talk about the cheese!) and what an adventure to share together    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
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    Day 39 St Palais to Larceveau

    13. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    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!    Læs mere

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  • Sarah NaylorCamino Santiago via PodiensisRejsende
    And so our last day begins
    Getting those shoes on for the last time!Early morningMist in the valleyHam for anyoneA place of restLunch break with fois gras!Getting closer14And here we are at the end!StJohn Pied de PortAlways the beer and roseFeeling happy!Early start2

    Day 40 Larceavue to St John Pied de Port

    14. oktober, Frankrig ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    In the words of Ed " the team of 8 have knocked the bugger off" 750 km of walking across Sth West France.
    Today was a day of mixed emotions as , as happy as we were to be finishing there was also a tinge of sadness that our adventure is over.
    To walk with Jane Lee and Brian for 40 days and to have their support for those end few kilometres every dayand yet still be able to have a laugh is special. Me abd my bunions have alot to be thankful for!
    I think the hero of this Camino is France itself. The people are so charming and its an old fashioned word but they are genteel. They talk quietly and are always ready to greet you and make you feel so welcome in their country. Along with the people of course is the magnificient food and wine. What an absolute treat to be fed every night in the best of cuisine.
    The countryside has been beautiful ( mostly, unless you are lost and walking on roads!)
    When you are walking every day its the little things you notice , the smell of the farm yards, the wild mint, the beautiful old gates, potted flowers and old houses. The quiet country lanes with animals quietly going about their day. Certainly walking a camino simplifies your life and you do appreciate the simple pleasures..picnic on a log, a cold beer and a hot shower at the end of the day. The sun rising at the start and those first 10 km of walking when the feet are fresh and the air is cool.
    In saying that how quickly you forget the tougher bits and remember the best parts.
    Our walk into SJPdP was very pretty today and even a shop to get a morning coffee on the way!
    Walking in at the end was quite special and to see fellow pilgrim friends finishing was wonderful too.
    Brian and I will spend a couple of days in Biaritz with the Irish family which will be wonderful and sadly we farewell the Spears who train to Paris tomorrow.
    Thankyou to all our penguin friends who have been following our adventures and I have loved all the comments and support.
    Until the next adventure....😉    Læs mere

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    Slut på rejsen
    15. oktober 2025
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