Again no wifi. This is very disappointing considering how much I am paying for this place! There is only one other gîte open that I am aware of, the Gîte du Radal, and I passed it long ago as it was a couple of kilometres before Golinhac. I am therefore staying at Le Petit St. Jacques, but am paying a single supplement since I am by myself, one of the negatives for traveling off-season. I learned that the proprietor is a veterinarian; he and his wife are earning a little extra money for supporting their 4 children by running a couple of gîtes/chambres d'hôtes in the area.
The day started out well. Yesterday's gîte had been a "donativo," operated as Catholic hospitality center for Catholic Christians walking the Pilgrimage Route. It was run by volunteers and operated on donations. The young French woman, Caroline, and an older couple, Anne and Vincent, whom I had met at the Couvent de Malet, also stayed there. It had been in an ancient building in the medieval city center, and lacked some modern amenities--like Internet access, but the people there were very helpful.
Caroline and the others decided to take an alternate route, and stay at another donativo, but the route was slightly longer, so I decided to go it alone. I met early on a nice group of Belgians, and walked with them and two French men for a little before letting them outpace me. With a few exceptions, the walk wasn't overly difficult, although I had stopped at a pharmacy before leaving to buy a knee brace just in case.
After some slight difficulty finding my gîte, I was surprised to find that the older French woman that I have encountered on several occasions--such as yesterday evening just as I was arriving in Estaing--was staying at the same place! She is walking as far as Figeac on a sort of planned self-guided tour. In addition, she is carrying a backpack but is also having a suitcase sent ahead of her. I think she said she is in real estate, and that she has left her husband at home to do this. She also reminds me a little of my sister, Karin.
Although it is only 6 pm and too early for dinner--and probably too late for anything else, I'm walking to a little restaurant in town reported to have wifi, to try and send this.
Selection for Day 12 on the Pilgrimage
(Psalm 31) 1 In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; …. Be a rock
of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. 3 You are
indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead
me and guide me, 4 take me out of the net that is hidden
for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit
my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6
You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I
trust in the LORD. 7 I will exult and rejoice in your
steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you
have taken heed of my adversities, 8 and have not
delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my
feet in a broad place. 9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I
am in distress….
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| Leaving in the early morning mist |
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