Day 26 - We crossed the line (Éauze à Nogaro 21 km)
What a wonderful start to the day! With a chilly mist blanketing the countryside, Pierre and I started out with the sun trying to burn through the haze. We were gifted with beautiful and eerie scenery for a couple of hours before the sun finally cleared the air. Most of today was through fields of grapes or corn and along quiet country roads. We were about half done today's planned journey by the time we arrived at second breakfast around 10:30.
Because there are not many services on this route, we have to ensure that we stop at the infrequent épicerie to buy the essential items for lunch on the go. Most of the time it's a baguette, some cheese, fruit and if available, some dried duck sausage. Simple and repetitive yet incredibly delicious when you are on this journey.
With about 5 km to go, we came across a photo display of about 30 portraits taken by Jean-Michel Danard. Over the course of about three years, his subjects were pilgrims who stayed at his house. The pictures were amazing and to find them in the middle of nowhere along the path was even more incredible. They were a real treat for us.
Also along today's journey was the Greenwich Meridian (or prime meridian) established in 1884, where the eastern hemisphere meets the western hemisphere. For this Air Force navigator, it is a significant location as it is equivalent to crossing the equator, the international date line, or the Arctic Circle. Although I've flown over this particular line numerous times, it is only the second time that I've walked across it and I was pleasantly surprised to see it. We are now in the western hemisphere. That's your geeky factoid for the day. 😁
An early arrival at the gîte communal meant that the normal rituals of shower and laundry could be followed by some relaxation time. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dinner was downtown at a burger joint - my meal was a regular cheeseburger and fries while Pierre had what appeared to be a two pound taco with fries. He did not move very quickly on our transit to meet Rachel for a refreshment and a chat. We did not see her all day and it was nice to get caught up. Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening.
We are expecting a bit of wet weather tomorrow….. but I never believe the forecast. 😁
