Today we hiked 16.4 miles (26 km) from Figeac to Espagnac, France in 6 hours and 3 minutes. My Apple watch says that I took 34,808 steps, climbed 48 stories (that’s pretty high), and burned 2,199 calories. (I’m hoping that calorie count is right because the bread in France is better than crack … and I’m addicted to it.)
While we intended to get on the road by 8am, “somebody with a Colombian passport” (I won’t say who) didn’t show up in the hotel lobby until 8:20 am, delaying our traditional first photo, since “someone with a Swiss passport” started walking. A rocky start but things got patched up shortly thereafter.
The personal highlight of today’s walk was meeting a lovely Belgian lady, called Ariane. We found her climbing up a hill with guidebook in hand, looking for directions to the Route du St. Jacque ( the French Camino). JP informed her that she could put her guidebook away because Sir Squire was in the job. She did, and then joined our hiking group for most of the day. Our route took us to the top of a mountain and then down along the river in the valley.
On these hiking trails, everyone has a story. Ariane’s story was that she just quit a job she loved, as a live event producer, and is thinking about the next chapter in her life. Speaking both French and English, she spent time talking to each of us. We covered a wide range of topics with her, from raising children (she has 3 teenagers) and global politics, to leadership qualities and marketing techniques. (You can probably guess where I got involved.) She hiked with us for about 12 miles and we were all enchanted by her inquisitive nature and positive demeanor. We hope to see her again.
The temperature was also pretty high, somewhere close to 85•. As a result, we didn’t stop for lunch until Mile 12, around 1:30pm. (I have to say, I was exhausted.) But, since there wasn’t any meat on the menu (that I wanted), I ordered a large salad. Wow! What a salad! It had lettuce, tomato, eggs, cantaloupe, plums, apricots, blueberries, grapes, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. It was delicious. Another high.
But dessert was even better. A frozen orb of strawberries and cream, swimming in a strawberry coulis. I loved the fact that it was served ice cold. Perfect for a hot day.
Four miles later, we arrived at our B&B -anxious to drink some cold water.
There were 3 modern suites at this B&B, so , the boys gave me the first room. When I walked in, I realized it wasn’t just a room, it was a Honeymoon Suite. As you will see from the pictures, it’s very romantic and has a jacuzzi in the room. While I wasn’t initially interested in the jacuzzi, my legs were so sore that I decided to venture in after dinner. And even though the jacuzzi experience involved green and red strobe lights, I must say, my legs are feeling a lot better now. So, thanks guys for letting me have the nicest room.
All in all, this was another highlight to a somewhat physically challenging first day.
Bonne nuite, Pierre
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