Today for the first time in a few days, I wake early. I know we won’t leave too early as Anette has breakfast but I don’t mind. The next two days are about 25km each and I’m relieved I have a bed reserved. If it had not been for Anette I wouldn’t have booked. I still don’t believe in making reservations but there are not as many gites down here and all four French routes are about to merge!
We finally left at around 8.30am, the last to go, but only just as we said goodbye minutes earlier to the German family that had stayed.
Minutes turned to hours today, the walking was slow and casual, the sun beat down on us. I applied suncream 50+, ten minutes later I’d wiped it all away with the sweat pouring from my head. I reapplied, I re-wiped and so the day went on.
We’re in Basque country now, all the houses are painted white while the shutters, doors & windows are a reddish colour. Also one side of the roof is longer than the other.
Tonight we have a gite booked which is off the GR65 again. I’m sure at some point it was on the route. So we follow the signs for our deviation.
We get here at just before 2pm. Today has been difficult, not the walking as such, although there were many hills to climb. I think dealing with the heat and trying not to get burnt. My walking slowed today and I hope it’s just a sign of walking through the midday heat.
The views have been beautiful again.
Anette has told the owner of the gite that I haven’t much money, so she puts me up in a caravan out back, still with washing facilities and toilets. I also get to eat with them tonight and I put as much as I can afford in the donation box.
Whilst writing this blog I’ve watched the clouds roll over and rain appear. I’ve also been plagued with flies that I’m trying to get rid of. I’ve broken a slat in my bed. I do hope we stop with just the three things tonight…
I’m tired, irritable, I’m sunburnt (despite all the suncream), and now I have to be sociable with not just strangers, but strangers who have shown me real kindness….
Oh and also it was my brother Richards birthday yesterday, so happy birthday Rich, I hope you had a good day (despite work)!