Best breakfast of the trip. I didn't have to look much further when I discovered that the croissants were warm. I did add some jambon (ham) for protein.
Friday is market day in Castres. Booth after booth of beautiful vegetables and fruit. I bought an apple. You can't carry much in a backpack.
Leaving the old town, I peered down this little alleyway. I loved the contrast of the dark and narrow with the bright apple green at the end.
I want one of these in Louisville, preferably at the end of our alley. It was a fresh bread dispensary. It was in the front of the bread bakery so that when they were closed, you put your money in, and out comes a loaf of fresh bread. There were four choices of bread.
So many beautiful bridges as I walked for the first hour along the river.
A relic of the past outside a small farmhouse.
Trail markers were plentiful, and I didn't make a single wrong turn today.
It was wet and muddy for most of the day, with nowhere to sit. I finally saw this alcove at the mayor's office. I thought it was closed, so I plopped down in the corner, and just as I took a huge bite of my pizza leftovers, out walks the mayor. He said, "Bonjour," and all I could do was nod. He smiled and wished me "Bon appetite," and I managed to say, "merci," without choking. At least he appeared to have a sense of humor.
The old church in Viviers-les-Montagnes.
Just next to the church was this beautiful chateau. I could not find any information about it or the church online, even though it had historical markers in French.
The scenery today was magnificent but very muddy. At one point, I had my first fall, a gentle one that hurt my pride more than my body. I slipped on a slick tree root and landed on my fanny in the mud. Not such a good look as muddy water crept into my nether regions. UGHHHH! For the rest of the day, I humiliatingly had to walk with a muddy bottom.
I love signs in other countries. As you might expect, "je ralentis" translates as "I am slowing down."
The mountains were looming large.
My least favorite trail is through the grass because who knows what lurks in ankle-high weeds.
Dourgne is getting closer. These mountains make me a little nervous for tomorrow.
Hotel La Montagne Noire is very nice, not as old-world as last night's hotel, but I would stay in a hovel for the meal they served. Remember, I eat the pilgrim included dinner and do not order from the menu. I started with this beautiful salad topped with a goat cheese tarte. Pastry that somehow, only the French know how to make.
My entree was veal. Imagine the best pot roast you have ever eaten. Keep in mind that pot roast is not always made with the choicest cut of meat. Now imagine it made with veal, fork-tender and succulent, topped with a french sauce of real butter and cream. I considered laying my face on the plate. It was accompanied by perfectly cooked carrots and saffron rice. I don't know what the other people who had free choice ordered but it would have killed me if it tasted any better.
And the chocolate mousse.
The best news of the day is that it did not rain - a slight mist, but I never had to pull out my rain gear. Tomorrow has a 92% chance. Wah-Wah.
So, my day ended after 15.7 miles. It doesn't get much better than warm, happy, and stuffed. May your day be as blessed.
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