Our Moveable Feats

September 8, 2024

Le Puy-en-Velay to St. Privat d’Allier

Le Puy was muted, steeped in a cool mist, when we set out at 0700, with all fellow pilgrims being blessed in the cathedral. Our only wrong turns were in this town we thought we knew well by now!

Up, up, heart rates up, to a gently rolling plateau of farm trails, dirt paths, and some single-track. Vacant but for a vieux et chien.

Second breakfast at a nondescript, pastry-less cafe in our first hamlet, and then we were in the groove, givin’ er to Montbonnet where a real meal awaited, despite poireau meaning leek, not pear!

Post-prandial lulls were minimal and we were determined to beat the forecast rain so we kept up the pace over the Margaride range. We saw some other modes of travel:

The final 4 km were a gnarl-fest of wet roots, rocks and steepness, under rubbery legs. Our poles earned their keep! The heavens opened moments after we were safely under an awning at our shabby but oh-so-welcome hotel.

Met some more fellow saunterers – affable couples from Down Under and La Belle Province.

Enchantment by the Way

Now we must obey the cry of our feet and our stomachs!