Wisques

The toilet saga continues. Last night’s campsite considered that one “bathroom” was sufficient for the entire campsite. One room with a shower, toilet and sink for I don’t know how many campers. Naturally when I went to brush my remaining teeth there were a couple enjoying their evening ablutions including a shower. 30 minutes may not seem long but I would have much rather spent the time inside my sleeping bag than standing outside the toilet.

I was then kept awake for a couple of hours by some folk talking. After that I was just cold. Not a great night all told.

Anyway I set off this morning in the sun, stopping off at yesterday’s cafe to see what she could manage for breakfast. Turned out it was orange juice, croissant, pain au chocolat and a coffee. Strangely, I was expected to eat a naked croissant. I know some folk consider that normal but I would expect butter and marmalade or possibly butter and Nutella but most certainly butter. And don’t try that nonsense of croissant is made of butter so you don’t need any more. Realised somewhat late that I should have taken some away with me as there was nothing more to be had until dinner.

A fine walk, mostly sunny but not too hot, usually between fields although with some short sections of road to add a little spice. Only came across one person all day. A lady using hedge trimmers at the side of the road, outside her house. As I passed her she gave a sudden start and gave me a filthy look. Now it might be she was just surprised at a passerby but also possible she was just startled by catching a wee whiff of pilgrim. I didn’t stay to enquire.

To give a measure of the sort of day it was, the highlight was passing over the A26 on which one could cover the 150 or so miles from Calais to Reims in under 3 hours by car. I should manage it in a little over 2 weeks and will meander about 235 miles on the way.

I did take advantage of the solitude by giving voice to my playlist despite my nearest and dearest stating frequently that I can no more sing than walk on water. A good example of one’s memory of music being the last to disappear is that I considered I was pretty word perfect to the double album of the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack albeit a second or two behind.Read more