I’m lying in bed trying to muster the energy to write todays blog….. I can’t…. I can’t keep my eyes open…

And so, I write yesterday’s blog today, and yes I’ll do today’s as well?! I’m sure none of you mind…
Yesterday was a very long day, especially for my left foot. I had planned an easy day from Condom to Montréal-du-Gers (a mere 17km but a good rest for my feet), the weather was once again overcast which meant I wouldn’t overheat in the blazing heat. As I departed, I felt a slight drizzle but nothing to worry about.
Like the guide says, this part of France is so very different from the other areas I’ve walked through. The few hills are small and rolling, the land is mass agricultural, fruit wheat & vines. It would be wrong to say the views are boring, but they aren’t as spectacular as the Aubrac plateau or the valleys of the Aveyron and the Lot.
I suppose it’s the difference between the wilds of the Highlands and the rolling farm land of Somerset.
Without much to comment on I arrive in Montréal-du-Gers at about 11.30am, the town square is very pretty. I look forward to staying here. Or, perhaps not, the accommodation doesn’t live up to the town. Disappointing as the next place to stay is Eauze, another 16km. Now I know that only makes 33km which I could do easily… But you have to understand, my feet, no, my left foot… Not good!
I set off, I even check to see if it’s shorter to walk the main road. It is by 1km, not worth it!
Within the next fifteen minutes I see a snake, still to quick for me though. Ten minutes later and the clouds vanish?! Noooooo….. Oh my god it’s hot. Factor 50+ on my head and close to the same on my arms. The march continues, finally I pass over half way, a place called Lamothe. (According to my guide, no gite, well guess what, yep there’s a gite here but no I don’t stop, that’s my stubborn streak, I’m now set on Eauze.
My march turns more to a zombie dragging my heels, with an odd limp. The 7km to Eauze follows an old railway line. As such it’s mostly shaded. It’s also enclosed, so no views… The only thing to stop me losing my sanity are the lizards scattering as I walk and two more western whip snakes, one being fairly substantial in size.
It’s gone four o’clock before I arrive. I know that sounds ok, but it messes up my routine of washing socks, pants and tshirt, plus all the other chores I need to do (like writing a blog without falling asleep)…!
I stay in a simple gite, and before all my chores I go for a cold beer in the square.
I’m shattered…