mattersofthemoment

Covered about 25 km but it was up and down all day and it was hot.

I arrived at the gite d'etape in Golinhac but my bag was not there.

Seemd one truck dropped it off and another picked it up by mistake. I

got it 2 hrs later by taxi.

At one point I got loat and after calling out in front of an open

window, the lady invited me into her house to speak to her. She told

me how to get back on the GR65 and then explained her husband died 3

years ago and she is trying to seel her big house. I guess she was

80+. Wow how many people invite a pure stranger into their home? I

gave her a Canadian flag pin a s atoken of thanks.

I walked most of the day alone but then Met Ingrid from Norway and we

chatted the last 2 hrs.

At 6:15 pm in walks friend Sunny. So we went to the Auberge for

dinner, and sure enough we found Nicole and also John and Claire who

walked 35 km to catch up to us.

We plane to celebrate tomorrow evening in Conques.

None of the Francais avec lesquells J'ai parle, have heard of “The

Way” movie with Martin Sheen. They are most interested.

A demain a Conques. Ultreia!

Well people walk the St James Way in France for many reasons I am finding out.

There are many francais who take “walking holidays” and stay in the

gites d'etape (pilgrim hostels). There are some who are getting over

an illness or loss and seeking new strength. There are some who like

the freedom of being outdoors, away from city noise and having some

good food.

However some are indeed very spiritual. Today as we came into Aubrac

a little hamlet, there was a statue of Our Lady of Aubrac around which

a group of adolescents were standing. One of them started a prayer and

then they all started singing a few hymns as the cows in the field

gazed on.

For me it was a moving moment to see the young people visibly engaged

in their faith. It was a spiritual signal that I new would come at

some point.

Thanks Lord for all your blessings and mercy.

Day 6 in LePuy France,known by the Catholic Church as the most sacred place in the world.

The mountains and the monuments that are erected from volcanic rock are amazing. The St. Michael Rock is awesome with many steps to climb up to the chapel called St. Michael the Arc Angel. Today was perfect weather, sunshine and warm.

On the Chemin de Saint Jacques most pilgrims are from France. I have

also met another Canadian, a couple from Perth Australia, a lady from

South Africa, several Swiss and 1 American.

Some interesting people:

– Alain from Switzerland who is a Templar

– Sonny from Toronto who did the Camino in Spain last year and is now

doing it again all the way from Le Puy

– Ursula from Switzerland who is walking with her dog from Switzerland

to Santiago

– John and Claire who flew all the way from Perth, Australia to hike for 2 weeks

– Vincent the chef who made us Aligot a melted mixture of cheese and potato

– a nice older couple from France who hike all over the place

It's great to quickly make so many friends in a foreign land.

Here in France there are some differences in etiquette.

Last night I was privileged to have a 7 course meal. Not knowing each

time more was coming, I filled up on whatever Monique (Chez Monique

B&B) brought. Mistake, half way thru I could not eat anymore. We had:

– apperatifs

– hordourves

– soup

– pasta casserole

– chicken and rice

– cheese plate

– fruit and tart desert

– coffee/tea

Another oddity is les francais drink their morning coffee out of a

bowl after dipping their toast into it.

Tonight dans Le Gite de la ferme au Sauvage there were only 4 courses

so I got off easy.

Gaining weight sur le Chemin de St Jacques..

Salva Regina! The bishop from Le Puy

Wrote this prayer,

Today was amazing, walked to this statue.

Mass at the Cathedral Notre Dame for the procession ” Corpus Christie” feast day,

I am in beautiful Sauges, a medieval town full of narrow cobblestone

streets, boulangeries and friends.

Today was the most difficult walk of my life. From Montbonnet to

Monistrol d'Allier, a mere distance of 13 km, the rocky muddy trail

went up and the down 650 m. I was exhausted when I arrived at

Monistrol. So, a nice man named Henri drove me to Sauges (12 km but

up 650 m again) after serving me lunch in his restaurant!

I am now esconced in Chez Monique B&B awaiting the 5 pm cathedral service.

I will decide tomorrow if I will have my bag sent ahead to lighten the

load. (Henri says the Camino is much easier from here on.)

Just ran into friends Sonny from Toronto with Sophia from S. Africa.

Life is good when their are angels like Henri and Monique.

To all our Family and Friends:

After a long journey we have arrived in LePuy.

Dave left this morning on his Camino walk for the next 10 days.

I am getting settled at theInternational Centre for Sisters of St. Joseph. There are 9 participants from Ottawa including Sister Rosemary our Leader.

There are three Sisters ( Gracie, Line, Kate)hosting us and the hospitality is fabulous as well as the food. We sit for 3 course in house meals served with red wine, breads and creamy cheeses.

Our retreat will commence tonight and we will meet in the mornings for gatherings, prayer and reflections with outings/ sightseeing in afternoons. The purpose of this retreat is the re birthing of the Little Design Community(of which I am a member).During the retreat there will be some quiet/ silent times while in the house.

Of course I will offer yoga and meditation sessions to whoever wants to join me daily.

This is indeed a Pilgrimage for me and I walked 4 hours today with 4 ladies from my group.

Photos and more updates to follow.

Buen Camino

Sent from my iPhone