Cofffee – Tash on The Way

but… my breakfast this morning needs a mention. It was delicious. Le prosciutto, le fromage, le pain and Le cafe. C’est délicieux. The best breakfast I have had so far. Often when I’m walking, I think of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. At the start of his journey he lamented the lack of his second breakfast. Poor Bilbo. In tribute to Bilbo I have been enjoying second breakfast each day. After all, Lucas said I need the carbs. I enjoy une Pain au Raisin, or un Pain Chocolat at my mid morning rest stop. C’est bon, it helps me keep going until lunch.

Back to the trail…

Today I enjoyed my last day in the Aubrac Region. My guide book recommended a 35km stage today. I decided to split that in half. I am so glad I did. It allowed me to enjoy the Aubrac region at a steady pace. It is so lovely I am worried that the remainder of my journey through France may be boring in comparison. Let’s see. The shorter distance allowed me soak up the beauty that I may never see again. There are so many shades of green here, they continue to be broken with the flowers of spring. I walked through forests and saw grand valleys. In Aubrac I was waking at around 1200m. From here, my walk through France will be literally all downhill until I cross the Pyrenees into Spain.

Tonight I rest in Saint Chelay d’Aubrac. Tomorrow I have another short stage by Camino standards. I am feeling happy and content and adjusting to the rhythms of my Camino. I am looking forward to my adventures. Unlike Bilbo, I won’t be robbing a Dragon, but I’m sure there are many exciting things to come.

… through my first day at least. Once I started walking my nerves settled a lot. The scenery is spectacular. Green hills, purple and yellow wild flowers by the side of the road. It’s hard to know which way to look.

I started the day by attending the Pilgrim blessing at the Cathedral in Le Puy. They have a full mass daily, today’s was attended by around 150 people. After the mass there was a blessing for the Pilgrims. We had entered through a side door. At the end of the blessing the Priest gave the instruction for the portal to open. On demand, part of the floor was raised mechanically to reveal the main door to the Cathedral and the first steps of the Camino. We were wished a Bon Chemin and it was time to start.

My biggest fear embarking on this journey was that I would lose my way and get hopelessly lost in countryside France. I’m a lot less scared now. The Way Marking is exceptional. There are signs at most turns, shells marking much of the path and also red and white flags at regular intervals. There are even red and white X’s to show the incorrect path. It’s fantastic!

Many of the towns and villages we pass through don’t even have bakeries or cafes, but they usually have water fountains and toilets for pilgrims. Today I passed through one such town, Liac, where a lady had set up a kiosk selling sandwich’s, drinks and of course coffee to passing pilgrims. She also had a map of the world and she asked me to put in a pin for my home in Australia. There were only 2 pins for Australia. They were in Sydney and Perth, as my birthplace and my most recent home were taken I stuck one in Canberra. I hope my Canberran friends are reading. I enjoyed a small coffee and kept walking.

I am resting tonight in Montbonnet after a manageable first stage to my journey. I am tired but happy and content. Enjoying a local beer in the sunshine. Not a bad first day.

Tag: Cofffee

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