Day 26 Espalais to Castet-Arrouy

Days can't get better than this!

I think I've said that before, a great thing I guess? We woke in a very lush environment surrounded by apple trees and beautiful flowers. The downside of that was we woke to major condensation. 

That wasn't really fun, everything was damp which made us chilled. Without a doubt the most uncomfortable morning to date, though we all admitted we slept pretty well in cowboy camp fashion.

There was a local dog barking at us till probably eleven when the owners finally let it in and the crazy rooster that didn't know how to tell time so did his screeching at two AM, but we did sleep well. We rolled into this town late last night, about 8:30 to 9:00. 8:30 is when the sun goes down so we don't want to keep this up though we do like walking in the evening long after most pilgrims have arrived at their destination (on this route at least).

We were seconds away from departure and the sun was just lighting up when all of a sudden Enayet and Patricia come bouncing down the neighborhood road ! We were thrilled to see them. It was our first time seeing each other on trail and they waited for us and we were off together for one of the best days! The next town was a wonderful town called Auvillar, it is where I hoped to reach last night, but now, even with condensation, glad we did not or we would have missed this time with Enayet and Patricia. Auvillar was a quick walk but the small town was sweet, the people welcoming and it was just special. Immediately, we saw this garden welcoming us to enter.

The owner spoke to us at length and gave us a handmade jar of jelly that we have enjoyed so much!

This was our first hour of walking...

The fog would lift quickly...

We would find a wonderful place for breakfast and Enayet and Patricia would stick with us as we all brought out a small feast to share among us...

Then we saw a small city grocery and I needed a coffee and thank goodness Patricia said she'd join me!

As we sat on the gorgeous porch of a hotel drinking coffee, Enayet was like the Pied Piper with the kids motioning all of them across the street to the grocery. He is just the greatest!!!! He took them over there and bought them chocolate ( a lot of it!!!!) chips, crackers and wafers....

As the kids crossed the street with him they were skipping just following him. On the way back across with groceries in hand they were a little sheepish knowing I would not want them to have someone buy all of this for them, but Enayet quickly put my mind at ease and assured me he wanted to do this and found the joy in the kids that we find from them. Right there I really did feel we were talking to family and relaxed a lot. I will never forget the image of Enayet leading the kids across the street like leading a band in a parade. I think they repeated this walk twice...:)

We then started our engines for the rest of the day...

Our walk...

Before we left, Patricia helped Reichen with his blisters...

Sadly we had to depart when we reached their final destination. We did sit around and shared a lunch, pulled out our sleeping bags to dry out from last night and hugged each other thinking we probably won't see each other again (on this side of the Atlantic). We said our good byes with slight tears really thinking this might be it as we still had hours to go in our walk, not knowing where we would end up.

I was at a total peace today, I felt certain we'd sleep in a good place and heard there was church with an overhang where we might be able to sleep.

Eating everything and anything they can in the wild:)...

A super long day of walking....

We rolled into the town that was calling me:).... Reichen was first and sat on a large rock in town waiting for us to come through. A woman opened her door and instantly called to her husband to come and speak to him. Reichen shared our story and the next thing we knew they were offering their garden to us to sleep in. We actually graciously declined as we really hoped for shelter after last nights condensation issue, or at least trees to put up our hammocks. This precious and beautiful couple said, " hold on".... He came back out of his house with keys in his hands and said," follow me...". He took us to a beautiful home that could be featured in a magazine and shared it belonged to a friend, a musician living somewhere else in Europe and that we were welcomed to stay there. It had a luxurious pool, an awesome kitchen, marble floors a huge hot shower and a washing machine and dryer that he said we could use. Reichen and I took turns through out the night getting up to start news loads and by morning had four loads of laundry done.

As he walked us down the street we passed a restaurant where the "four beautiful French ladies" were eating. This is what I call them:) we threw each other air kisses and Jean Luke shared he was taking us to a house with a pool. I could tell they were excited for us.

Jean Luke and Veronique we will forever remember you as true "trail Angels" in our adventure. You trusted us without knowing anything about us, not even our names. I will be a better person in my life remembering such lessons as trust. I will never forget you and your generosity. We went from the most difficult night on trail to one of the most luxurious night of my life in 24 hours. The kids swam, we had clean clothes (who can do four loads of laundry on a Camino?). We were well rested, took nice hot showers. As if all that couldn't be enough Veronique camping knocking on the door with Madelines and pate for us and the most beautiful smile! This is a special couple!!!!

Merci!!!!!

What an amazing day!!!!

Dog on the blog...

This town was so welcoming to pilgrims I noticed its dogs didn't even bark. This cutie wanted out to play...