Day 6 - Toughest day yet! (Nasbinals à Saint-Côme-d'Olt - 35 km)
We were up early to get a jump on what we knew would be a long day. We had to say goodbye to Will this morning as his portion of this Camino ends today. We will miss him and we certainly hope that our paths will cross again.
In a chilly 6C temperature, we departed separately before the sun rose. It was a real pleasure to be able to see the sun rise for the first time on this journey because as you know, I love the incredible light conditions.
After about 30 minutes, I ran into Clément and Lucie who had camped outside of town. It was great to see them and we arranged to meet at our destination. A climb into the mist and the cow pastures followed. As I walked along the path with a chilling wind biting at my back, the cows appeared out of the mist directly in front of me. What a surprise to see them! It was absolutely beautiful to walk amongst them as they had no fear of me. The sound of the wind and the bells in the mist was mesmerizing and the hour long transit through the fields was the highlight of my day.
I stopped for breakfast at a small village about 10 km into the day. Physiologically this feels great because having breakfast at this point feels like a restart with only 20+ km to go - a short day.
The rest of the journey was along farm roads, quiet back roads and numerous narrow, steep and rocky paths. These paths at times required very careful passage with deliberate foot and pole placement. This was especially critical during the last few kilometres as both the body and mind were tired and a slip or fall could be devastating. I was very grateful that the trails were dry because any rain would have made them very treacherous.
The gîte was a welcome relief after a full day of hiking and as usual, shower and laundry followed arrival. Clément and Lucie stopped by to say hello before they continued on their way. We met a friend of Olivia at the gîte - Jeanne - who was an absolute pleasure to talk to. Unfortunately, her journey ends tomorrow. Also staying here were Terry and Alexi (a father and son who we've seen many times), and one of our favourite characters on the path and his companions, Jean-Paul, Michel, Babeth and Yvonne.
Dan decided to walk his own Camino today and we missed him at dinner. Speaking of dinner, once again, it was amazing. I can easily get used to the incredible food that is homecooked at the gîtes. The company of course was also wonderful.
This was certainly the most physically challenging day for me however that was quickly forgotten once we were around the supper table. The family ties with these wonderful people are strengthening.
