Thursday, 29 September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 : FRANCE: STEVENSON TRAIL : Day 2 : Le Monastier sur Gazielle - Le Bouchet St Nicolas : 23 kms





Second stage
Le Monastier sur Gazeille to Le Brouchet St Nicolas
23 kms (41,335 steps)
Forecast : Cloudy and 11o



Breakfast included


We set off about 8.45am into a chilly wind.
Impressive vistas as soon as we walked out of the town.



Varied terrain and such views



We are getting to know some of the walkers. There are Dutch friends and French friends and a French girl Mark has dubbed Antoinette.
Coffee together this morning in Saint Martin de Fuegueres



A volcanic rock - with description on the path


Perfect conditions today


The path down and up from Goudet (on the Loire) was rocky and steep. We had our delicious picnic lunch (provided by the hotel) in Goudet.



More hedgerow plants to add to my collection



At last donkeys who were as keen us to get acquainted. A few other creatures interested us along the way.



Encouraging signpost pointing us to our final destination.



Then across the fields we saw our auberge!



Full tonight with a range of visitors. Many staying in the gypsy caravans.





Dinner was a wonderful surprise. All the guests at one long table. A large bike group from Montbrison on a four day ride and a very friendly French couple on another walk. Everyone was so welcoming, surprised we were from so far away and used all their English vocabulary to include us. The meal included a Le Puy lentil salad and lentil dessert - lentils homegrown in the auberge garden.
It was a very special night!





M&M

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