Started out at 8:45 this morning with two Belgian women, then stopped in Limogne for blister bandaids (Compeed) and some more cash at a bank machine. Did just over 16 klms after I overshot the cutoff to the Arc de Ciel gites and had to walk back from Bach (pronounced "bash"). Blisters hurting and hips and leg mucscles needed icing on arrival. It's amazing what some icing and stretching will do though -- each morning they've been mended enough to more than comfortably hit the trail again.
Coming in to Limogne en Quercy.
A newly (re?)cleared field -- note how stoney the ground is. I don't know what the trees are that have been planted, perhaps walnut? Just to the north-west the Perigord region is famous for its walnuts.
An abandonned farmhouse in the middle of a scrubby cattle farm which I fantasize about buying, restoring and serving coffee and tea to grateful passing pilgrims -- the trail is the little path in front.
A magical field of poppies.
Lunch spot with great bucolic view.
These stony paths are actually minor side roads and occasionally a vehicule zipped by.
Bach is not much more than a cross roads although there was an open restaurant -- a rarity. This building is a small hotel, I believe.
Hot, blistered feet relieved to be out of my socks and running shoes.
A bad picture of the Le Relais Arc en Ciel gite d'etape (ie: privately run hostel)
My host Michelle Prade at Arc en Ciel. Several of the seven other guests separately told me that this was one of the nicest gites they'd stayed at. Host Michelle was very welcoming and friendly.
Ove from Germany, Peter from Australia, Hank from The Netherlands and Michelle.
