Chasing After Jess

Today started with a bit of indulgence – a breakfast with our gite owners, that set us off later than planned. Normally I don’t eat breakfast, I like to eat on the road after I have walked a few kilometres. But the breakfast this morning was amazing, I couldn’t turn it down! I also had the best bread I have had during my entire trip so far (I am retrospectively writing this on Day 26!).

Leaving at 8:30, we set off for a shorter day through the enchanting Aubrac region, heading towards the small town of Ferluc. For the first time on our journey, the sun graced us with its presence and I was able to wear a singlet!

Despite the ongoing challenge of wet and muddy tracks, we pressed on, finding joy in the beauty of the countryside, and the churches and chapels that along our path. We were warned by the gite owners to take an alternate path because of the mud and flooding, and they were not wrong! I have included some photos of the track conditions for reference!

Today was a short journey, and seemed to pass quite quickly. We had a brief stop at a cafe, where the waitress kindly heated my microwave meal for me.

The destination for the night was nothing short of incredible. The Domaine du Barena, an maticulous renovated 17th-century farmhouse in Ferluc, welcomed us with open arms. The hosts were also incredible, with such kindness and attention to detail. The architecture and comforts of this old farmhouse were matched only by the warmth of the dinner shared with fellow pilgrims.

The day’s trek had taken a toll on our bodies, especially our feet, which were weary from hours in wet hiking boots. Our gracious hostess went above and beyond, arranging and dropping us off in the next town for a much-needed foot massage. We both fell asleep during the treatment, the exhaustion melting away under skilled hands.

Dinner that evening was another highlight, filled with engaging conversations. We sat with another man who spoke English, a Radiographer from Brazil who had a hobby of photographing birds.

As the day came to a close, we slipped into crisp sheets and under cozy white duvets, too tired and relaxed to stay awake. Having had our best sleep on the track, morning arrived quietly, bringing with it the promise of new challenges and discoveries on this incredible journey.

Jess x