I was sitting in the garden of our Chambre d’Hote this afternoon looking over next stages of walking. I noticed a bird finding lots to eat. Big pieces of something. I soon discerned that it was cherries. An almost denuded (of cherries) tree was just overhead.
Then I recalled an incident earlier on our trek. An old man getting our attention…I didn’t understand at first. But his motion of fingers to mouth and pointing to his yard had me listening carefully. I heard, “Viens! Cerises! Cherries! Into his yard we went and commenced to plucking g cherries 🍒 from his tree. What a sweetheart!
Today in Moissac at Sunday market glistening red strawberries 🍓! This area is renowned for them. Natural. Untreated. Tasty. Vibrant. We ate the pint toute de suite!
For our ‘rest’ day we walked 9 miles. No packs, except from our Gîte of last night, 2.5 miles outside Moissac. Our host in Moissac was kind enough to welcome us at 9:30 so we could stash our packs for the day. (In fact, our room was ready and we got keys to come and go as we pleased. Returning around 3, pilgrims were sitting outside waiting to get in at 3:30.) Our host, Veronique is so kind. Then around the market. Then to see the boat canal and back.
The canal connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean – no longer in use since the train.
We are now sitting outside the Cathedral and Abbaye St. Pierre. It’s massive with a beautiful cloister area, each of the 76 capitals atop the columns has a unique decoration. More than half depict episodes from the Bible (Samson in the lion’s den) or saints. The others are decorative – palm leaves for instance.
Which reminds me – wanted to hear the nuns sing inside the Cathedral for Vespers, but it turned into a procession outside. So. We’re here having a drink instead.
Time to return to the Chambre d’Hote for dinner!
Shared Illusions 
Love this! One of my favorite sections of the Chemin. I have a photo of us devouring strawberries right in the marketplace — I think maybe Carjac or Cahors, not Moissac, though. I think Ultreia Gite may. no longer be there, or maybe it has new owners. Is that where you are? The cloister was amazing.
LikeLike
I think Ultreia Gîte is still here. We are in Chambre d’Hote Hildegard, right by the Cathedral. We’ll be 7 pilgrims tonight, plus host Veronique for dinner.
LikeLike
Good to know. The Ultreia gite also had a chambre d’hote. It was one of the very memorable places we stayed. In fact, they gave me a pack cover because rain was expected and indeed we did have some days of rain after that.
LikeLike
Just follow this link to see and comment on this photo:
» https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0006009/photos/manga_mom/4644425143/
Here’s a link to three of us eating strawberries right out of the box in the market in Cahors, 2010! — 14 years ago! I also have lots of photos of the carvings in the cloister — some may be of Samson and the lions.
LikeLike
That’s a great photo. Imagine Charlie and me standing in the market eagerly eating those strawberries. Then we had more at our chambre d’hote at dinner and again at breakfast!
LikeLike
I’m so enjoying your reports, Paula! Makes me want to walk in France.
One tiny correction…I think it’s Daniel in the lion’s den; Samson pushed over the pillars of a temple, killing himself and others. :-).
LikeLike
Thanks, Esther. The handout describing each capital says Samson and the Lion – not Samson in the to Lion’s den. I appreciate the info!
LikeLike
What a beautiful place! And all that wonderful local fruit!
Bruce
LikeLike
I cannot believe how well we are eating. I forget to take a photo for you before eating!
LikeLike