Nîmes to Saint-Gilles +Arles, day 1

pgsteele4

Hello stalwart readers! We made it to Saint-Gilles du Gard yesterday the 28th. What a long, flat, hot slog it was. 17 miles. I spent a good portion of it creating senseless,  but fun (to me), descriptions to a cadence chant from the army. No way I can duplicate it here, so you’ll just have to remember to ask me for a sample when I get back.

A good explanation for why I like these long treks.

Yesterday,  we walked through miles of vineyards and orchards: apple, peach, apricot.

Gorgeous color, but still unripe

Close to Saint-Gilles we met pilgrim Calum, Scottish but born in Bruges, Belgium because his dad was Catholics, his mom Protestant and they couldn’t marry in Scotland so they moved. True love. Having a new companion helped the last few miles slip by. Calum said he was really tired and we helped him, too.

Here are a few pilgrim makers new to us, and the first sighting on this trip of the traditional one…

Oh, and this dual version:

Saint Jacques  – aujourd’hui et hier…yesterday and today.  This sculpture was in the Saint-Gilles cathedral.

We also saw stencils on many homes.

The flamingo, for the regional park in the Camargue, which is home to to many of them.
The Camargue is also known for white horses and cattle. The image in the center is the Camargue  cross.  It depicts faith, love, and hope – top to bottom.

Last night i fell asleep before even beginning a post. Tonight, while writing it. So, I’ll have to sign off until tomorrow. 

2 thoughts on “Nîmes to Saint-Gilles +Arles, day 1”

  1. Connie's avatar Connie May 29, 2025 / 4:31 pm

    Now I know why hearing birds always makes me feel good. Thanks for that explanation! I remain in awe of your stamina.

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    • pgsteele4's avatar pgsteele4 May 30, 2025 / 4:11 pm

      It’s good to know what one can endure – and smile through, even. While enjoying Arles, I do miss the sweet songbirds!

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