Day 17: Trigodina to Montlauzun 26 Kilometers

Awoke early, packed our bags and found breakfast ready at 6:45.  Started walking soon thereafter.  Had an early wake up call as we were attacked by a large dog.  Escaped unscathed except for wrenching my (Ed) bad ankle.  No worries, just kept walking.  Traveled a pretty quick 18 kilometers where we arrived in Montcuq on.....Market Day!! Two days in a row we get to partake of fantastic markets. Can't fully describe these days as they must be experienced.  The sights and smells are intoxicating.  Even though it's Sunday, we were able to do quite a bit.  Visited the tourism office where they made a reservation for us (Many have talked of difficulty in booking ahead because of places being full.  We haven't experienced this since early in our journey).  When they asked where we were from they were quite surprised when we told them the U.S.  Said they didn't have many Americans visit.  We spent some time gathering goodies for a picnic at the market.  Rested for a bit at a cafe as we enjoyed some tasty coffee.  Only seven or eight kilometers remained and we didn't want to arrive too early so our pace slowed a bit in the afternoon.  Stopped at a church with a picnic table area but it was consumed by a large walking group.  We enjoyed our picnic on the church steps.  As we marched on, a few raindrops started to fall so we moved a bit quicker until we reached the tiny village of Montlauzun.  Even though We were a bit early for reception, our hostess was gracious enough to allow us in.  She and her husband are from England and walked from LePuy to Santiago 12 years ago.  They loved it so much they decided to move to France to operate a Gite.  Their place is an old converted church and is wonderfully restored.  Only five pelerins (two French Canadians, a French gentleman and us) are here and we shared a simple yet superb dinner of carrot soup, duck confit, new potatoes, green beans and soft bread. Hadn't had duck since we've been in France and it was prepared perfectly. And apple tart for dessert! We're spoiled. It's been a very restful stay here as we prepare for a long haul tomorrow.

Gite Ancien Presbytere - very unique, clean, great dinner. Run by an English couple who have walked from Le Puy to Santiago.