Day 18 - A Cleansing (Lascabanes à Lauzerte 25 km)
Last night, as the lights in the gîte went dark, the skies above the campers in the garden lit up in dramatic fashion. A series of severe thunderstorms ravaged the area for a few hours and tested both their tents and their resolve. Everyone survived but not without a few rattled nerves and all made it for breakfast in the morning.
Because we had a relatively short day and we had reservations at our destination, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and departure. The mist was beautiful in the morning and the heavy rain left incredibly clean scents that were enjoyed throughout the day. The forests came alive with aromas and colours that are only seen after a thorough cleansing by torrential rain.
There were a couple of steep climbs but overall, the travel was easy through rolling French countryside and forests. Beauty was everywhere although the camera could not capture the true essence of what we experienced.
Several of last night's guests stopped in Montcuq for a second breakfast and gave us all a chance to regroup. Our own family leapfrogged throughout the day depending on how we were feeling. It was a good day for travel.
Dan and I arrived in the medieval town of Lauzerte mid-afternoon and enjoyed a refreshing drink and waited for the others. Hearing English voices, which we find to be rare on this Camino, we struck up a conversation with Julia and Robin from Sussex, England. They have a summer home near Montcuq and were just in the area for a visit. It was very lovely to meet them and we thoroughly enjoyed our chat. They are officially invited to Ottawa and Seattle.
Our gîte, which was built in the 12th century, was magnificent! Two bathrooms and one big bedroom for each group of four people is luxury and we were completely satisfied. Dinner again was incredible and our host Ana was very gracious and accommodating. The meal was superbly presented and enjoyed by all. I keep wondering how the food can continue to improve with each day.
I'm very grateful for this journey I'm on, for the old friend I travel with, for the wonderful new friends I've met, for the beautiful country we are in and for this amazing experience. Every day I'm here is a gift that I will treasure for a very long time.
