DAY 5: June 8: Espallion >> Etiang (15km)

Todays Pics Click here

The day was beautiful - perfect walking weather, though a bit overcast, especially as the morning begins with a strenuous climb to amazing views...IF CLEAR. Unfortunately me or my camera do not take such good pics if the sun is not out.

The way up was a bit treacherous, narrow muddy paths and a steep incline. It certainly got my blood pumping and kept me warm in the cool morning. But as the sayiong goes, what goes up must come down was also a bit severe.

We had a long day planned 22 km and staying in a small village with nothing but the GITES (pilgrim hotel); so we needed to pack in supplies at the midpoint, Etiang.

We arrived in Etiang at noon - a beautiful village along the River Lot. But in south france - all shoppes close from 12:00 - 2:00pm; so we either needed to move on without food for the night and next morning or stay put. As the village was so lovely we decided to stay.

We are staying at the Gites Communal - sort of like the local YMCA; and have found these city Gites to be better in most cases than the privately owned ones. Todays Gites appears brand new and is wonderfully designed with large kitchen, nice rooms with just a few beds in each, a lovely terrace/ balcomy and best yet - a dishwasher AND washing machine....a Pellerin's dream!!!!!

To give you an idea of the number of pilgrims/ hikers along the route, our Gite has 26 places and I feel sure they were all full, there are 2 other Gites in this village and one with 19 was full when we arrived, the other had 15 and I am not sure. There are also 4 hotels and we know many pilgrims stay there and also 3 HOTES -(Bed & Breakfasts). So it is likely there are close to 100 pilgrims in this village alone.

Tomorrow we must make up some mileage, and we stay in a monastery with 93 beds in a DORTOIRE (dormitory - possibly all one room).

We shall see!

Bon Nuit!