For the past 3-4 days we have been hearing gunshots. What’s in season – rabbit? Nothing. Hunting season is October through March. We’ve been hearing compressed air blasts. Farmers use them to keep birds away from the newly sewn crops. How do I know? A little birdie told me. [Groan) Marilyn and Michel at La Fezendes told us.
Bird calls, chirps, song have been with us every day, through forest and filrd and village.
We often hear the coucou bird. This has given rise, in this area, to the greeting, “Coucou!” It’s also used to get someone’s attention.
Walking, we never fail to see and smell banks of wild roses, honeysuckle, and jasmine. It does a soul good on a hot, humid day while you’re laboring up a steep hill.
On a different bank topic, we’ve found that Banque Populaire is the best for ATM. They don’t charge a fee. Others are 10-12%.
Today was such a humid day. Blessedly, there’s often a breeze to help.
At the end of a significantly steep grade of a climb, I launch into the Rocky tune. That occurs at least once a day.
Today – nothing hurt!! And we reached our halfway point between Conques and St. Jean Pied de Port at about 4 km into the day!
It’s already 22:20 here. The days disappear when you’re walking town to town.
We had a grand meal, thanks to our host calling and making a reservation for us. These towns of 500-2000 or so have limited dining possibilities. La Romieu, tonight’s town, has a population of 555.
La Romieu has the remnants of a collegiate church, flanked by two towers. Of course we climbed them. One is only open a short way up. The other has about 140 very narrow steps up a circular staircase.
In 1342, multiple years of bad harvests culminated in famine, to the point that pets were eaten. (Did they have pets back then?) Anyway, a story says that young Angeline saved two cats from being dinner. The next year an abundant harvest was threatened by rodents. Thanks to Angeline’s cats, disaster was averted. A local sculptor honored this tale by sculpting multiple cats and placing them around town.
Leaving Lectoure on 6.6:
Today we go to Condom. Go ahead and snicker.
Shared Illusions 
I had a very cold night in the cavernous gîté here. Lovely dinner in the restaurant next door with a fireplace. Getting a meal or anything in the villages can be hard.
I say repeated Hail Mary’s to get me up hard hills. How many will I have to do to get to the top?
Ultreia!
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I’ve never seen anything like that tempura painting. And it is in such good condition. Had it been restored? Great posts as always!
Bruce
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The church has had some restoration, but I’m not sure about the tempura. It is quite magnificent.
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Paula & Charlie, How glorious your travels! The pics from the farmland put us there among planted fields and orchards. Did you jump in that pool Paula? I know you wanted to do that. And walking beside the canal thinking of the history of its transportation place for moving harvested products to market….quaint and beautiful. What amazing lodging, to stay in a place hundreds of years old fitted with modern convenience. The art in this post are lovely. I like the stone cats on the window sills.
I’ve been sharing these with the grand-kids up here in Angel Fire. While its near unbearable in ABQ at 100+ today, it’s a comfortable 78 for the high up here with forest and greenery as far as the eye can see. Keep them posts a’comin. Lovin them!!!!
John
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Hi, John! So good to know you are relishing my posts and photos – and sharing with your grandkids. We are meeting wonderful people and having amazing experiences. I did not jump in that pool as no bathing suit, but I did sit on the edge with my feet in it. It was grand.
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Wow Ed and Paula! What beautiful images and sharing. Thank you!!! However, between Condom and Concuq I’m starting to wonder what the French are really up to. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Chris says “Nothin’ else to add.” LOL.
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Glad you’re enjoying the trip!
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