Today I didn’t want to get up (again…). At seven I looked out, it looked very overcast. Everyone was up bar me and one other. I removed the earplugs (yes they’re worn every night now) and got myself up.
By just after eight I was on my way. Today I was adamant I was only doing 20km, destination Nogaro.
Outside there were signs it had rained overnight, quite heavily as well.
As I left the comforts of tarmac and turned up between vines and down footpaths my boots accumulated more & more mud, oh the joy.
Like yesterday, today was very ordinary. No views due to the weather, vines all around me.
Half way and I pass a fish farm, I could sit and watch trout jumping all day, even better if I had my fly rod!
Soon after I pass through a village, Manciet. I thought about stopping in a cafe but couldn’t find one so I continued on my way.
Less than two hours later and I arrive in Nogaro, there’s a problem. Nogaro has a race circuit and yes, you’ve guessed it, this weekend is a big race. The town is booked….solid! Luckily for me a Canadian, Michael, had passed by earlier, he had told me off the predicament. Arriving before us, he had been gracious enough to ask about accommodation for myself and a French couple as well. The owners of a hotel in town are also renovating a beautiful manor type hotel, 4km from Nogaro. They even offer to drive us to and from the place as and when we want!
At present I’ve washed up and sorted a few bits, written the blogs and am now waiting to go back into town to use the main hotels wifi…. (If they have it?!) and have dinner.
My foot is still swollen but seems to have gone down a bit.
My passion for the great outdoors and all wildlife is still strong. (Except of course gnats, mosquitos & biting bugs).
My love of France grows daily.
My muscles ache more with each passing day.
My disappointment at all the equipment that has failed, broken or just doesn’t work grows with each passing day… (But I will name all the crap kit soon enough)…
The amount I miss my beautiful girl back at home grows daily. (Yes yes and all my friends & family…)
All in all, like I told Jaz, I may have only just started my ‘way’ but I have realised, my compassion, empathy and sensitivity are the very roots of who I am. My life may change, my ambitions, my direction, but what is at my core will never change.
The Way to Santiago Blog 
I miss you so much! Hurry up! 🙂
Wonderfully philosophical mate – and remember batural beauty can be found everywhere especially in the Spring:
The rain will fall,
But the trees will stand tall.
The wind will blow,
And the river will over flow.
The frogs will leap,
The children will sleep,
And you’ll hear not a peep.
Birds will sing,
Bees will sting,
Flowers will sprout,
And upstream will come the trout.
Then you’ll hear,
For it’s coming near.
Spring is here,
And it’s so sincere.
hey mate, been catching up on your blog, good work!
Sounds like bloody hard work but seems like you are well into your stride now.
was listening to radio 6music this morning and they talked about a film with martin and charlie sheen in that is set on the route you are walking and thought of you.
http://www.theway-themovie.com/
anyway, keep up the good work
cheers
ps – how the heck do i donate? i think i am being thick but cannot find a link…
You can donate through my main website http://www.thewaytosantiago.co.uk follow the link from the charity page direct to my UNICEF page. Many thanks and great to hear from you!