Last night's dinner was fabulous. I started with two prunes (I know what you are thinking but they weren't stewed) wrapped in bacon over a tiny piece of brioche. This area is famous for its plums and prunes. I actually liked the prunes better than the bacon wrapped dates that we make in Louisville. They were not nearly as sweet. Next, I had asparagus soup that was very light but oh so flavorful. My main course was a mild white fish served over something resembling butterbeans. Yum. But dessert certainly didn't disappoint me. It was two small slices of cake doused in Armagnac topped with fresh strawberries and lots of real whipped cream. It was called Babba de Armagnac. Wouldn't do for Harry G. but OMGosh was it good.
This was the view from my hotel window and the first thing I saw when I stepped out the door this morning. The beautiful River La Garrone.
Look at these awesome apple trees in full blossom.
This is the canal. Especially beautiful to me because I walked all day beside it. FLAT! It was so nice to have some flat. There was no uphill until the very end of 13.1 miles. Auvillar sits on top of a mountain so that was my only climb. Actually, I could have done a longer mountainous variant but I chose the original route (what kinda fool would go for longer and harder?). I have a 20 miles day tomorrow so it was good to rest the dogs.
A sign of fish in both the canal and the river. I walked all day between the river and the canal. If you look closely, they are the same fish that we have in Kentucky and Tennessee. Right down to the catfish on the bottom.
Another look at the canal. Look at the beautiful color of the water. A result of limestone rocks.
I thought that thunder clouds were really coming in until I saw these two enormous smokestacks. There was a 20% chance of rain today. It rained for like 2 seconds. I got maybe 10 drops. I didn't even have time to take off my backpack for my rain gear and it had stopped. Blessings!
Couldn't resist a photo of this beautiful blue cart.
I had to cross this pretty bridge right before my steep climb to Auvillar.
I thought this was such a pretty stop to refill my water supplies. I didn't need any water because I always carry enough for the entire trip. Well except for a couple of days ago when I ran out of water about an hour before I finished. But the day was much longer than anticipated. You can bet I will have plenty tomorrow.
This was a vending machine for pan (bread). I have never seen a vending machine to buy bread and not just any bread but Artisanales! Wow!
A beautiful climb up the mountain.
The first thing I saw in the town was this small tribute to St. Jacques.
On Sundays, there is a market and this is the center of it. It is highly unusual, in that it is round. It is called the Place de la Halle.
I know just how she feels.
The old clock tower was my destination to find my hotel. My hotel is practically attached to it. If you walk through the arch, turn around and my hotel is to the left.
This is the St. Pierre church in Auvillar. Of particular interest because my sister is Sandi James St. Pierre. Now I am crazy about my brother-in-law David St. Pierre but I am not going to go so far as to call him a saint!
I was fascinated by the bell tower. I loved the window that looks out over the world. I was not tall enough to peer through that window but I could see the clouds through it. This church sits on a mountain top so I am sure the view was beautiful.
I just keep seeing more and more beautiful stained glass windows. These might be my favorite yet. I especially love the little round window above.
The church was undergoing extensive restoration and the left half was closed off. Clearly, the art had been moved over to the other side. I am so very sad about Notre Dame. It is the only thing that is on the news here in France. I can't understand what they are saying but even the female reporter had tears in her eyes.
The gorgeous rose window.
This was the courtyard of the church.
And when I walked to the edge of the courtyard, this is what I could see. The amazing Chalet.
I thought this was such a historic garage.
And lastly...the town cat.
I am staying in a beautiful old hotel. I got in about 1:00 so I had lots of time to wander the village and take photos. I am in the Gascony region of France. Evidently, the Gascon dialect is a variant of Occitan and is different from the Basque language although there is some Basque history here.
The restaurant downstairs looks awesome. Dinner is at 7:00 and I am ready! I have been trying to eat really healthy and would like to lose a little bit of weight I gained over the winter. I found a tiny grocery store across from my hotel and bought some butter cookies, sort of like shortbread. I don't know why but on every hike I love these plain cookies. At home, I probably would give these cookies a second glance. I practically pounced on them like a crazed person. I was craving carbs and I ate the entire package..one by one by one. There were only eight cookies but so much for carrying them tomorrow on my long day. Yum.
So prayers for all of you...until tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment