Espalion-Golinhac
Two different regions. The people more hospitable could not be. Leaving Espalion was easy, very flat land, until I passed the Roman Church. It was a hill category “Red”, which means after reading the map this afternoon, very difficult. These two walking sticks made my day. I have to move my back forward, to balance the backpack. So many times I had to rise my legs over 12 inches to pass the up hill rocks. I just took one step at the time being sure that my feet where in whole contact with the ground. Last night rain changed the terrain, mud and rocks was a mess. I decided to use my sandals today, and believe it or not, they had better traction with the mixed ground. I ended all wet, like jumping to the Ohio river after finishing the iron man on rocks! It has been interesting for me to know my own body. Thanks God, no back pains, or other upper body troubles. The feet and toes are another story, but I just keep going, everybody else is in the same situation. Many of the people is returning home. Here in France they walk El Camino, one week “etap” a year. Many take the bus back home after three-seven days.
These compression socks are magical, they took my feet back to normal, right know only my left foot is inflated. Rubbing them with olive oil and arnica every afternoon has been good too.
Today I walk 3/4 of the time on the road, next to the Lot river, then it all was ascending. I am at Golinhac tonight. The campground has an amazing view with a pool. I did not have time for it. I just took a shower and washed the cloths.
They offer all kind of opportunities for staying here. Camping area, family chalets, rooms for two, communal rooms for 6, restaurant with bar, and a games building.
I ate in the restaurant. I had a steak and frites. Talking about steaks here. There are juicy, fresh, and tasty! The cows are grass fed in France. They move them from field to field every day. I have seen it in the morning, before walkers take the paths. I was in the middle of the changing a couple days ago, because I start to walk at 6am every day. It was not fun, especially when there is an ox in the middle of 50 cows. I just walked up the hill, and kept distance.
Tomorrow I will walk 21 km to Conques. It is the town of Ghislain. He was the director of the Speed Museum, and former parishioner.
Today my mind was playing with childhood songs and games. I laughed a lot. What memories! I was thinking, if the new generation of children in my home village still playing them or has everything be forgotten.
It is good to be here. There is time to think and reflect. No television, no computer. Just enjoying myself in the silence of the walk. Wait! Today, a bird from the distance broke the silence. But his harmony, matched my speed as I walk. It keep going like for 10 minutes, until I have to descend another hill.