So today is the day that I always dread because it is the height of OMG-everything-hurts - why am I doing this? Every muscle and every bone in my body is in total rebellion. There are maybe two hairs on the top of my head that don't hurt. I hate my shoes, and I hate my backpack. Grrrr!
Having said that, what a gorgeous journey. I walked along the most beautiful trail for several miles with gurgling water on both sides. Just amazing. The temperature was about 65 degrees, and there was a gentle breeze. When I looked down, the trail was pretty high up in the mountains, and the houses looked like tiny dots.
The "JE TE SALLUE GROTTO”
The local "Ru Neuf" members knew of a beautiful grotto and asked the village priest to place a holy image inside it to provide a spiritual site for pilgrims. The statue represents adolescent Jesus with his Mother Mary showing the way.
Someone carved this pilgrim from a standing tree.
The snow never leaves the tops of some of these mountains, even in August. And it is not unusual for it to snow in August.
I love this house and the grounds.
The hand-painted shutters on another house. This is Italian Wine country. Having been in French-speaking Switzerland for several days, I am so confused. I have said oui, then corrected it to si, and made any people encounter more confusing. It is not like I speak any other language fluently. Hell, I barely speak English. LOL Mainly, I just concentrate on being polite.
A view of the Paris Church of Saint Hilary and the Tower of Gignod from a distance. I loved the backdrop of the mountains behind it.
The church of Saint Hilary was built over the ruins of the De Gigno family castle in the 13th-14th century.
The altar.
This fresco is datable to the second half of the 15th century and depicts the deposition of Christ with the saints.
The frescos on the ceiling archway are of the same period, and they were gorgeous. It is hard to believe that the vibrant colors have remained so clear.
This welcoming symbol for the pilgrims headed to Rome was outside the ancient church.
The vistas! The views. Breathtaking!
Another nod to the pilgrims.
As I was headed into Aosta, I spotted this little church, "Paroisse de St. Bernard- Eglise de St Roche."
I risked life and limb to cross the busy highway. But it wasn't open. Boohoo!
The hands of this musician were gleaming silver.
Saturday is evidently a party day in Aosta, or maybe this was a special day. There were several groups of musicians and dancers in costume. So many people were gathered around that I couldn't get a photo of some of them. I was looking for a pharmacy for some Advil. No explanation is needed! And supplies for tomorrow. The hotel owner was very direct in telling me that no bars or food were available on the trail tomorrow. And tomorrow looks like a bear. Today's total was 20.7 kilometers which is roughly 13 miles. I am going to post this and tell you about tonight's hotel dinner in tomorrow's post.
So I hope your Saturday is as special as mine was today.
No comments:
Post a Comment