I started in the rain today which I hate. And it just got worse the further I walked. It poured cats and dogs on me for 18.6 miles of the mountain up and down hiking.
It was the kind of rain that farmers love because it was an all day soaking rain and I went right along with it. I was wet down to the bare. The wind howled and I was freezing for a good part of the day.
Early on I passed a French couple and then a German couple. Made me sad that Dennis wasn't hiking with me. He deserved some of this fun. I kept picturing him all dry and warm, happy as a clam. Probably sitting with a Cheshire grin on his face ever so glad to be inside. By the time I quit being envious, he was laying on a chaise lounge, smoking a hookah pipe and blowing smoke rings...that lucky devil. Still, I kept slopping on.
Look at this cute little house, nestled high in the mountains.
I thought this was an adorable advertisement for a Gite. Most of my photos look a little fuzzy today because it was raining and my camera lens got wet.
I love this little pond. France has the loudest frogs I have ever heard. I haven't heard a frog in many years in our country much less seen one. And did you know there are still stars in the sky? Living in a city, we never see them. I have stayed in several places in the country and I love to look outside at night and see the multitude of stars.
Look at these beautiful pansies.
An attractive little house. Look at the water standing in the street. It was a real gully-washer of a day.
A magnificent cross!
Look at this unusual cat. Her face was black and white and her body was brown. I have never seen a brown cat. Orange--yes but not brown.
I was at about 16-17 miles of cold and wet when I saw this chapel. I was in desperate need of a sit-down break. What better place to sit than in a church!
A crypt of some sorts.
The chapel. Look at the beautiful wood ceiling.
Our beautiful hotel in Arthez-de Bérne. I was walking through the town, actually dragging through the town when a very nice man spoke to me. I asked him if he spoke English and he said "Sure." I knew where I was going but he was so kind and wanted to help. I followed him back to his house where he asked his wife where my hotel was. Then he walked me to the hotel to make sure that I got there. Dennis was at the gate and it was clear that he wasn't going to leave me with Dennis until Dennis told him we were married. I didn't think Dennis looked THAT suspicious. After all, he was dry. Turns out this man was a pastor. What a great experience. I can't get over the absolute graciousness of the French people! Above are the gates of our magnificent hotel. I obviously was rewarded for my suffering today. This was the most beautiful hotel I have stayed in, to date. It is run by two very gracious gay men and decorated to the hilt. Sorry to buy into the stereotype.
Our gorgeous room. It has a bathroom with a shower. I can't tell you how good it felt to stand under that warm water, after being cold all day. This shower had every kind of nozzle and rain spout known to man or woman. Ahhhhhh the Camino teaches you to appreciate the small things.
The dining room!
Dinner will be soon and Dennis and I can't wait! You will probably hear about tonight's dinner in tomorrows blog. Au Revoir!
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