Pilgrimage Pause Pt.1. Aumont-Aubrac

Pilgrimage Pause Pt.1. Aumont-Aubrac
Today was considerately easier going for me. I set off after petitdejourner alone and promised I wouldn't spend any of today's leg in anyones company. I have learnt already this is my walk and must do it my way all the way at all costs.

After a superb communal supper I went to bed on the top (in a bunk bed) for the first time along the way. Hank the buffalo was below me and the German couple from Konstanz were in a double bed nearest the window; without any curtains so you could only sleep dusk until dawn. I slept peacefully until Hanks snores brought me out of slumber around half past five. I tried to block out the pulses but it was impossible. Eventually I got up and packed ready for breakfast and the continuation of the Camino.

After two successively fast paced and relentless days it felt that Sunday mustn't be as forboding so I could just get somewhere and feel a little more like a whole bodied man again!

I walked passed the church to find the Spa to pick up my daily combustibles and took to the steady path. I was consciously aware of my left foot and both knees (after breakfast I had bought le Maison homemade Arnica oil to help my aching knee joints) so I set off steadily, but with a mid point holt at 7.5kms in my plans, reaching Bi(g)nose within one and a half hours. I tried to stick to a pace guarenteed not to get me to my pause day shattered.

I stopped to have a café and one quarter of my sustainance around 10:30. I have realised I divide my walks in to quadrants with enough energy food for four stops. Compot de Pomme, banane and figue biscuits(4) - I am not in the right season to hope for windfall the same why I could in Croatia; if summer ever arrives.

I arrived in Aumont-Aurauc having developed a fable on the hoof. The doctor in Leeds told me not to ignore the world around me, but I don't think I did. I was still aware of all the sounds and sights as well as the change in the terrain. Whenever an idea struck me I added it to the tale I am telling.

There was every chance I would've showed at this gites, looked and felt disengaged and carried on, but it is safe to say that this is up with the Czech Inn for simple luxury: everywhere there is pine, oak or sweet chestnut in the design of the interior. It smells of a sawmill deep in a forest: Chemin Faisant.

Once I had arrived and changed I went out to phone my hostess to let her know I had arrived. I waited in the midday sun and saw Hank coming my way. He was hanging about waiting for his hotel to open, I didn't mention how luxurious this gites is because the vibe would've been broken with his over bold lewd joke telling and manners. Phew he carried on without me dropping a clanger!

A French couple arrived an hour or so after me and so far that might be all arriving on the Chemin St. Jacques heading south west.

Zero half-day, Sunday 26th May.

Shuffled around the edge of the old town and being aware of what is on offer today: local wine and pizza or a local Aligote (cauliflower cheese). Half of me wants to stay in Aumont-Aubrac and the other half thinks get moving tomorrow. My mind says yes but my body says no!

The French lady states that a full wash dry is a hefty 11 euros. Good job I can't smell myself at the moment ... I will ask my host as maybe I could do it for less?

The mad man I was hiding from today has been seen by the Dutch twins, I see atleast twice a day, boasting his latest achievement was only 3 hours from Saint Alban to Aumont-Aubrac: snap! and I was taking it steady and I stopped for an hours recompose.

Paid my hostess for two nights with only breakfast on my day of departure. I will cook Monday night and may have a massage prior to finishing the Aubrac in style up at Aubrac the village, which overlooks the Lot Valley.

Come across the road for a final plat du jour. Some vin and a pretty femme. Expect to sleep forever tonight. No issues at all. Whole room to myself. Tomorrow night might introduce younger persons towards my flight on Tuesday?

Oh vin! Why do you treat me this way?