Days 21-23 Lost & Found
- Susan Lee Laird
- May 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2024
This is a dolmen, an object that is shrouded in some mystery, but is believed to be Neolithic. They began as tombs and were also used by the Celts as ritual sites and sacrificial tables. š§
My trek to Lalbenque was filled with rain, mud, confusion, and kind French folk. I first met Philomene, a jewelry designer from Paris, when we both started down a path and I was alerted by my AllTrails app that we were going the wrong way. We rerouted and trekked along chatting about her business. Check out her website if youād like! www.philomenethebault.com
There seem to be many fewer red/white stripe trail markers in this region and there are many different trails that all converge in small towns. I got off-track in a tiny village when AllTrails insisted I follow a lonely path along a ridge. I realized that I hadnāt seen hikers or any trail markers for quite a long time, so I decided to backtrack even though my app insisted I was going the correct way. When I got back to the village I saw Philomene and some other pilgrims trying to figure out the route. They were so kind to include me in the discussion and we all set off again in the correct direction. I had added 2 miles to a 16 mile day and was getting tired.
I next met Alice, a wonderful 17 year old hiking with her family. Alice is part of an organization that honors American WWII vets and arranges for them to come to celebrations each year.
A few miles later I reached an old stone cross, my pick-up location for an inn off trail. The young innkeeper pulled up in his SUV and I told him that I was way too muddy for his nice car. He told me that this was the car that he uses to transport his dogs who hunt truffles for him, so my muddy pants and shoes were not a problem.
A truffle farming innkeeper? What a perfect end to a challenging day.
The next day was even rainier and muddier. I considered taking a taxi, but I felt fine physically and decided to just take it a puddle at a time. Whatās an adventure without some suffering? There was a miraculous crepe truck in the middle of nowhere and a warming station as I entered Cahors, Camino magic! I now have a rest day. š„³š„š·
Camino Countdown:
Falls - 0!
Lost toenails - 1 (gross!)
Miles hiked - 218.2 (Not including extra miles for getting lost š)
Miles to go - 746.8
Best wine so far - Malbec from this region
Hereās a link to the song I use as motivation for puddle jumping. ā¤ļø
Lots of love. Thanks for the encouragement!
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At first, I only had a chance to see the gold version link and promptly skipped the 24-hour skeleton dials and leather straps, skimmed the dial and case, and dove into studying the bracelet. It's not an integrated bracelet link and can be removed, but visually it's beautiful even if there is a link seam between case and bracelet.
Dear Susan I stopped with Tchi in GrƩalou in the rain . if the good weather returns before the end of the month I would resume.. Best memories of your meeting with your smiling trio. good way if you continue. friendly kisses. Peter Iave a compt facebook : Pierre Fert
Your spirit to setbacks is commendable. š
Hi Susan,
It was very nice to meet you.
I wish you a beautiful journey to Saint Jacques !
All the best.
PhilomĆØne
You are such an inspiration. It is amazing that you have already traveled over 200 miles Susan. Neither rain, wind, nor puddles can stop you! May you continue to encounter delicious regional foods and crepe trucks in the middle of nowhere.