Sunday, June 12, 2016

Day 18, 12 June: Durfort-Lacapelette to Espalais, 34.5 kms

Had a deep sleep last night in our converted pigeon loft. Woke with a flutter and it seemed we walked rather pigeon-toed this morning.

Our kind, gentle gite host had made such an effort to make us feel comfortable with so many extra unexpected touches (like flowers in the room & beautiful soap in the bathroom) - we felt blessed. 

Our path took us through lots of orchards and vineyards so we must be getting near Gascony (The French Tuscany). 

We reached Moissac near midday. It seemed a bit run down but we wanted to take some time to explore this town because it was the 2nd most important sacred site for the medieval pilgrims on this route after Conques, with its centre being the abbey. Unfortunately the much loved cloisters were shut and we were unable to visit. 

We struck the Sunday markets in Moissac and in one other village today which sparked them up - usually Sundays are super-quiet with all the shops shut. 

It was fascinating to follow a canal out of Moissac and see some holiday travelers in their boats. 

Lots of extremely steep terrain today and this with a 34 kms distance meant we were on our hooves for 11.5 hours. A shortage of signposts made it difficult today especially in picking up the Camino after spending time in a town like Moissac. 

When we arrived at our gite in Espalais, dinner was almost ready to be served. We hadn't expected a meal so this was a pleasant surprise. It is a large, rambling home and we shared a delicious pasta meal with several French people and a woman from Montreal. Lots of talk and jokes about the Montreal accent - like the French spoken 300 years ago, apparently. 

We will sleep well tonight. 

C'est la Vie

Geoff & Lyn

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