DAY 1 : FRANCE : LE PUY-EN-VELAY to MONTBONNET - 16 kms - 5 hours (with cafe and lunch stops)

　

"This is the moment of embarking. All auspicious signs are in place. Though we may be intent on the magnificent journey ahead, all things are contained in this first moment; our optimism, our faith, our resolution, our innocence." - Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao Daily Meditations

Our day began by walking up the dark winding streets of Le Puy, joined by other pilgrims, as we made our way to the cathedral for 7am mass. We were surprised to see so many arrive for the service - about 80 we estimated - mainly from France, Belgium, Norway, US, Canada and Australia. A service directed at blessing walkers for their journey. We were given a little medal to signify our departure from the cathedral.

Blessing from priest after the mass in the cathedral in Le Puy

 

Leaving the cathedral on the camino path

 

Today we walked up out of Le Puy and along farms and through little townships, meeting and chatting in broken French to other pilgrims. There was excitement for most and desolation for some who found the route a struggle, carrying packs and walking for considerable distances for the first time.

Our route - east to west (read right to left)

 

Meeting people along the way

 

Religious wars in France - so much to learn about!

 

Traditional 'metiers a ferrer les boeufs'
A devise for holding oxen in place while they were fitted with shoes.

 

  

Tonight we are staying in a gite in Montbonnet. It is new, clean and very comfortable. A perfect resting place for our first night. 31 euros each for dinner, bed and breakfast. 8 people booked in for the night - 4 Australians, 2 German girls and 2 Dutch fellows.

Gite (hostel) and bar

 

2 beds up and 2 down

 

...with ensuite

 

 

Spacious living and eating area

 

 

Today it was 10o and cloudy...and tomorrow looks the same.

 

M&M
2/9/12