4 legs a necessity!

"Four Legs Needed"

If you aren't a donkey or a horse then you definitely need to bring hiking poles to do this walk.  We went up 600 metres then down 600 then up 500 m between the villages with some very rocky paths that have to be negotiated.  We were both pleased we had brought two poles each.  The scenery has been incredible, that is - once you get to the top or bottom of a hill and can pick your eyes up off the rocky path to see where you are.  It's so green and lush with lots of pine trees at the top of the hills and lots of ferns, long grasses and wild flowers at the lower elevation.  We are now in Sauges after 14km hike today.  Doesn't sound like much but it was plenty for our knees and ankles.  With our full packs Wendy is carrying 18lbs not including her water and I am carrying 19.  The water adds 2 or 3 lbs depending on how much I have decided to carry - usually 1.5L.  We have not figured out why Wendy's pack is lighter, we basically have the same stuff.  I would like to say I am carrying a supply of Mars bars like some of our friends, but I can't afford the weight - have to buy chocolate when we get to town.  It is a very important part of the diet when hiking in France!!  

We are now meeting others who are interested in chatting (in English too). The first day no one seemed inclined to talk. This morning in our Monistrol Gite we were seven at breakfast and as soon as they heard Wendy and I speak English they all joined in even though they were all French.  Tonight in this Gite there are 4 Australians, a fellow from Courtenay and his German girlfriend (who met in Spain on the Camino, in Granon) and some English among the 17 here.  We are quite tickled as we have our own room again tonight but this time with our own toilet and shower. I'm in heaven!  Dinner will be a group affair tonight at one long table that is set for 20 (the family eats with us). This Gite has been running for 35 years - started by the mother of the woman in charge, and mum is down there helping prepare the meal.  They still have 60 milking cows, and up to 40 calves and yearlings. This family is passionate about looking after pelerins (pilgrims).  

Dinner was barley or vegetable soup, followed by veal & veggies over rice, cheese course (including one cheese made by the family), and fresh fruit for dessert. There were also carafes of wine and water on the table to serve yourself. Already there is a huge difference in the food here compared to how we ate as pilgrims in Spain.  Tomorrow we hike on but first we will enjoy the Friday market here in the main square.  And we will probably stand outside the tourist information office to send this blog.  The Australian gals say they will be standing with us so they can send their blog back home as well.

View of Monistrol from heights above.