Stage 37: Pimbo - Larreule, 20 kms, cloud & sun, 20

A Local Rugby Star!

Last night we stayed in the community, communal hostel, a nice effort put together by the local town to welcome the pelerins and provide a place for us to stay. They have done a very nice job of setting it up with good showers, kitchen and common area. The beds are ok too with sheets and fleece blankets available. We were joined last night by four others, a Quebecois, two French and a German. Strangely none of us took any photos of the evening, but it was a laid back experience with everyone pitching in to make dinner and clean up...the same at breakfast. Their small band of four are moving slowly. It might have something to do with the 22 kg pack the Canuck is carrying! He has sent home a tent and camp stove, but as we went through his 80 litre pack together we discussed the merits of a -32 rated sleeping bag, a compressed sleep mat, a tarp and various other items. I think lots is getting mailed home from St. Jean Pied de Port!! He's doing very well with just a few knee and blister issues early on, but realizes that there are some adjustments to be made if he plans to walk to Santiago. We had lots of fun, and maybe too much wine?

This morning we all slept in a bit. Sunday morning, Thanksgiving weekend at home and not far to walk today, though hilly.

We headed off first into the early morning light

with the hope of finding something hot to drink some 6 kilometres down the road at Azacq-Arraziquet, a small regional town. Some of the scenery this early morning walk. Gorgeous!

A sea of corn stalks...

Turns out we were in luck this Sunday morning. As we reached the town our first stop was a beautiful 11thC church where a lovely group of elderly folks were just finishing their service. They asked where we were from and invited us to see the church which is quite pilgrim friendly. Then they went next door and brought in the stamp for our credentials, a very nice one I might add! Just in time as the church was shut down as everyone departed.

Then coffee, tea time! We stopped at the bakery for a pan de chocolate and a couple of ration buns and made our way to a very cool Cafe.

I took one look and realized I'd found a new haunt! Too bad so far from home:(   Perhaps we might come live here for a few months?  Inside the walls were decorated from top to bottom with rugby memorabilia.

I had a look around and asked the owner if he played for any of the teams. Turns out he played at club and professional level for many years. He proudly walked me around the bar showing off many photos and things as well as a photo of him with his team when they were national champions for three consecutive years. It was a nice moment and we shook hands at the end of our visit as I headed for the door. Then we picked up some lunch to picnic on later and hit the trail again. A beautiful day for walking!

Some interesting sights along the way.

The scenery was typical southern France, stunning!

Bright sky, but so far no sun.

Lots of nice hills where down always, always means up...at least twice as far and twice as steep! 

We passed by a small church and I'd been noticing the war memorials as per usual in France when it dawned on me why there were so many names listed as dead for the Great War, but so few for WW II. This was the part of a France controlled by the Vichy French for much of the second war. As such they didn't send their young people to fight. Therefore, very few dead were listed.

We found the final downhill and before arriving into our village stop we walked up to the 11thC church Saint Pierre. 

Very subtle, simple and beautiful.

Bon Chemin and Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends in Canada!