Eauze to Nogaro

Bon Jour!  Yesterday's blog post was really rushed because I didn't have internet in the room and my only chance to download photos and write was during a group dinner.  I was trying to be polite while I sort of sneaked and added to the blog.  We had a wonderful meal with the owner, his wife and his sister.  We were joined by a very nice couple from the South of France.  They were not walking but vacationing.  In spite of the language difference, we managed to communicate.  The B & B was also a working farm and they had 27 cats.  There was definitely a favorite cat and every time the wife went into the kitchen the cat followed. This cat was 19 years old and a tabby. She was so much like our Abby Tabby.

Dinner was excellent. After an aperitif of some gosh-awful cousin to either moonshine or kerosene, it improved.  We had an assortment of homemade patés and salad.  It seems like every place we stay, particularly the country B & B's have a homemade paté they a re proud of.  I am really liking these Franch treats and so is Dennis. Our next course was somewhat like Shepherd's Pie except instead of ground beef or lamb, it was made with duck. Lots of onions and seasonings. Very tasty.  And for dessert, we had apple tart.  It was a leisurely drawn out meal with lots of laughter and fun.

My walk was totally through farms and vineyards today. I  am always appreciative when a farmer takes the time to set something out for the pelerins.  This says "for you."

Look at the babies.  There was a whole field of them.

And here's to the girls.

Much of my walk looked like this today.  See the marker on the tree. I say "my" walk because poor Dennis is unable to continue. Maybe towards the end.  He had arthroscopic knee surgery about four months ago and his knee started hurting. No point in taking a chance.  

Farmland as far as the eye can see!

I thought this house was so pretty.

I was starting to get very hungry but I hadn't seen a place to take a break when I came across this chapel and cemetery.  I sat on the steps and ate cheese and crackers.  It was very peaceful and no one from any of the graves came out to join me.  This chapel is called the Chapel of the Command Post, Saint Christie Hospital. It was built by the Knights of Malta in the 12th Century.

Welcome to Nogaro!

These were just growing out of a small hole in the pavement.  And they smelled like heaven.

I have hardly seen a television since I have been in France (No Trump and no politics! Yea!) but every time a sports channel has been on, there has been horse racing. Must be big in France and yet when I say I am from Kentucky (The French pronounce it Ken--too--ky), they look blank when I say Kentucky derby.  At least they don't say "ahhhh, Ken-too-ky Fried Chicken."

I loved this!  I would NEVER EVER go to a bullfight but this would be interesting.  No bloodsport!

The outside of the church in Nogaro was one of the prettier ones I have seen.

The altar glowed as if there was a fire behind it.

Today's total distance was 13.5.  Tomorrow is going to be my longest day.  It is supposed to be 21.8 and let's pray it is not longer. I will be out the door in the morning like a flash and there will be no time to dilly-dally.   I certainly don't have time to get lost.

So until tomorrow!