Walking Across Italy

Today started with some fierce thunderstorms and the potential for heavy showers throughout the day. Given the forecast, and the fact that it was Sunday, Joe and I decided to forego the 10 mile walk and take a cab to the next stop (easier said than done). Stephen and JP decided to brave the weather and hike, at least to the next town, some 3 miles away.

After 9am, Joe started calling taxi companies to find us a ride to the next stop. But, it seems that nobody works on Sunday morning in France. As a result, we were dry, but stuck. Then Joe discovered that one of the volunteers at the convent hotel was living in our destination town and asked him for a ride. (The almighty does provide miracles.)

We arrived in Estaing and found the coffee shop where we waited (and worried) about our intrepid companions.

After a couple of hours, we decided to try to get some lunch and put our concern for our wet friends aside. (It didn’t take long,)

In the meantime, Stephen and Juan Pablo attended mass in the first little town, and then decided to walk the next 9 miles to Estaing.

We all met up at our hotel, where the host gave us a taste of his special summer cheese.

After a brief rest, we went back to our lunch place for dinner.

Good night all.