Montcuq to Lauzerte

The first thing that I saw this morning was a market as I was leaving town.  Look at those incredible radishes (back-left).  

This is a horse farm with a barn that would rival the best ones in Kentucky.  Nothing like a little old French Chalet to go with it. And they had many paddocks.

I think these yellow flowered plants are used to make canola oil.  It was a beautiful yellow for as far as the eye could see. I am truly in farming country and have been for most of this trip.  

Some of the people/farmers set up little stands like this for the pilgrims.  It is all free.  I took an apple because they looked locally grown and the apples here have been delicious.  The local ones are similar to a Fugi or Honey Crisp.  No mushy apples in France. 

I don't think there is a level spot on this whole journey. And it is interesting that when I go through a hamlet, there are no people anywhere to be seen.  Like the Twilight Zone.

This sign with the arrow pointing down was a warning that I was fixing to go straight down.

You can't really tell how steep this is.  The upper part was stairs with a rope to hold on to.  There were warnings in the guide book that if it was wet, it was treacherous.  It was dry today.

Another mule for Pami Green Lesley. 

A city of Cairns.

Talk about the Cock of the Walk.  He was certainly strutting his stuff.

The mountaintop town of Lauzerte

Budding artist?  There were about four of these sculptures?

I thought this was a clever fountain for the pilgrims.  

Today was my shortest day...only 9.6 miles.  Not to suggest that it was an easy short day. The trail was a challenge but it was well marked and that makes up for a lot.    I never passed a church all day which is a first.  And prayers seem more important because it is Palm Sunday.  Good thing prayers can be offered anywhere!  I have my own little bungalow tonight so I should sleep well. The internet barely works in my room so I have to come to the reception area. All the other places, the internet has been very strong.  Since I am traveling through the most rural area of France, I am surprised to have such good access.  Wonder why we can't do the same in rural Kentucky.  This is a mountainous area and it seems more remote.  Admitted I have seen no Hatfields or McCoys and I have heard no banjos.  I have also noticed that many of the mail trucks are electric and I have seen several postmen on bikes.  Oh, well...it is always fun to see what other countries do better and what we do better.  I had steak for dinner last night and although it was good, we do steaks best!

Kisses to you all!