Day 8- Saint-Come-d'OltToday was an early start with only a short climb of 120 metres, nothing like previous climbs but still we worked hard. The views were worth the effort and we received our reward (no not ice cream) but a 7km section of very easy walking on a good track. Disappointment then at L’Estrade as there was no coffee (which had been promised by another pilgrim). Nothing else for that matter, other than a round table in a wooden shelter. The table served as a lazy Susan for pilgrims with food and a resting place for half a dozen well kept cats. The cats I think would like to charge pilgrims for allowing them (the pilgrims) the privilege of being photographed with them (the cats).
There were no humans to be seen apart from one older French woman whose daily delight appeared to be meeting pilgrims and speaking with them. The fact that she knew we didn’t understand a word of what she said was no problem to her. She left us for a few minutes to return to her house and fetch her husband. He has a severe respiratory disease and drove up minutes later in an electric cart with his oxygen bottle. By now, some French pilgrims had arrived and the old couple were in their element for the morning. The husband even invited us to coffee (sign language of course), we declined politely as the last time a stranger invited us to coffee we were treated as the door-mouse at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. We continue on with a long descent that at times was rough, but were given a quick lesson in finding good chestnuts by Kathleen, a French pilgrim we met 4 days ago. With the coming of spring, bee keepers moved their hives up into these parts for flowering plants that give a specific flavoured honey. The wild flowers are more prolific now we are losing altitude. The gardens of houses we passed, coming into the town of Saint Come were kaleidoscopic in colour. Being so used to Australian gardens I was amazed at the colours of and the proliferation of plants that seemed to grow with little formal layout or attention. As you are aware we are also undertaking this Camino to raise some much needed funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society. Vinnies have supported so many vulnerable people. Members of the society put enormous personal energy and time into the cause. We hear of many cases of need and how the Society helps. The article “Why I Help one person’s story” shows how one member felt and dealt with a heart breaking situation. (The article may be found by clicking here). We hope you had the opportunity of reading Barry Borham’s article mentioned yesterday on Meditation and Mindfulness. (The article also may be found by scrolling down the Interesting Links page on this website). It may give you the motivation to try them out. People from all backgrounds and beliefs (or lack thereof) have benefited. I have used them both for anxiety and in prayer. Tomorrow night accommodation is in a Monastery where there is no WiFi, consequently we may be unable to write to our readers. On a lighter note- Enda had a very interesting night. "Almost landed in bed with a strange man at 3am this morning. Got disorientated on my way back from the loo. Turned my torch on just in time to focus it on his face. Wow, what a scare!!!!"
2 Comments
Cherie
5/4/2017 12:09:13 pm
Love reading your updates and following your journey. Seems you are travelling well and blessed with decent weather and beautiful sights. Enjoy
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Beverley Exell
8/4/2017 09:23:20 am
Oh Enda... so funny. I can almost picture your reaction :) Don't trade Jerard in just yet!
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