La Via Tolosana (France) & Camino Aragones (Spain): "The Arles Route" GR653

La Via Tolosana (France) & Camino Aragones (Spain): "The Arles Route" GR653
La Via Tolosana (France) & Camino Aragones (Spain): "The Arles Route" GR653

OUR INTENTIONS

PLEASE READ: Our Camino For Alzheimer's Awareness will begin on World Azheimer's Day, September 21, 2018 in Lodève, France about 130 kms west of Arles (underlined on the map above and circled on the route profile at the bottom of the page). We plan to walk together just over 800 kms to Puente la Reina, Spain where Annemarie will determine her next steps. It is, however, Geoff's intention to continue onwards a further 700 kms towards Santiago de Compostela. To put this into perspective, the total distance is about the same as from Victoria to Santa Barbara, California. As usual, we will accept the journey as it unfolds and we are appreciative of any and all support. If you feel moved to contribute to the Alzheimer Society please click on either of the really obvious RED BUTTONS to the right or at the bottom of this page and you will be transferred to the Society's fund raising site. We are paying our own expenses and all money raised will go directly to the Alzheimer Society.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Ètape 5: La-Salvetat - Anglès 21kms, Sunny, 21

Possible Sheep

Last night we were presented with an amazing dinner! It started with a salad centred by a baked cheese thing,

And was followed up by a magnet du canard (duck breast) cooked to order. It was fabulous and no matter how far we walked yesterday there was no way that we earned this!!  But we happily ate it none the less:) 


As we departed this morning into the very crisp morning air (just 3 overnight) with sleeves and light jackets on. I even had my rain gloves on as it was a bit nippy for the first time. Winter is coming. 

We came upon a sheep sign which I thought was unusual as it’s generally cattle warnings on the roads. I snapped a photo to send to Erin (possible cows) and walked on in search of the sunrise. 

 We thought this beauty was shaped by the diverging light rays into the shape of a scallop shell. Suits our needs.

It’s even a bit more memorable with a cow:)

Today was a hilly walk along lovely trails and back country lanes. 

It was a nice place to just let the mind wander where it would. 

We walked through an area of fairly heavy forestry as we’ve been doing the past couple of days, and it sure felt like walking at home. Lots of pine and reforestation, though in very straight lines for harvesting purposes.

At the top of a hill a Jeep pulled out and to our surprise it had followers!

Lots of them!

They’d been trained to follow the Jeep and we knew to stand still on the spot as they have a tendency to follow whatever moves. Several moved in our direction, but eventually they all played follow the leader! 

On we went...

Water pump, quite common around here, but this one was out of order. 

And then we were Anglès. Getting food here can be a problem, and with that in mind, our host this morning kindly allowed us to use the ham and bread from breakfast to make some simple sandwiches. We carried away a yogurt each, so we were well equipped. Arriving in town, we found the small grocery about to close, but we were able to gather some beautiful cheese and a drink to add to our lunch. As both restaurants in town were closed on Tuesday, we helped ourselves to the patio furniture and had a nice lunch. 

It’s a pretty France village with the usual items, a 14thC church, bar, gîte and speciality food stores. 



Annemarie explained to our host last night that we had no place to eat, and he calmly offered his wife’s kitchen to us. Brave we thought.
We will go back out shortly to get groceries and we will then call Kathy and Bob who arrived in Toulouse last night. They’ve had the day to recover and will meet us tomorrow at noon for lunch...we hope! 

Our digs tonight. Simple with a great shower, good view, so no complaints. 

We are looking forward to connecting with the weary travellers, so we’d best get on with that now. A nice poem from Annemarie today.

Ever Changing Terrain


We begin each day of this journey in anticipation 

And I confess, at times we begin with trepidation 


We have looked ahead to gain some idea of what is in store for us

But the actuality will be what it will be, it was ever thus


Most days are filled with climbs and descents

It’s how much is up and how much down that the plan sometimes misrepresents


The rocky path with the barely discernible trail around the next turn

Not anticipated, we were distracted by the beautiful green ferns


The steep climb leading to the next road

For a moment our pace was considerably slowed


The sun shining, creating patterns in the clouds

It is peaceful here, there are no crowds


The road that climbs steadily upward

The cafe at the top is our reward


The villages closed when we arrive

We’ve planned ahead, we will thrive


Little adjustments required along the way

To address whatever we might encounter on any given day


2 comments:

  1. Another great day walking through the world, savouring the sights and hospitality of the way - you two look like you enjoy this!! BC, NM
    PS. Loved the photo of the scallop shell rays.

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  2. What lovely photographs. Who took the one of you and Annemarie at the table?

    How’s the water situation? Would the water from the pump that wasn’t working be potable? No need to ask about the food situation—you’ve described that very well, and even though you’re eating a lot of scratch meals, there’s still some wonderful French cooking nearby. Odd, though, that the restaurants would close on Tuesday. Why Tuesday?
    Ken

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