Day 18: Montlauzun to Moissac 32 Kilometers

Awoke to a bit of rain today.  Had a nice breakfast at Eileen and Chris' Gite. But we donned our raincoats and pack covers and headed out.  Rain off and on for the first eight kilometers and some of the paths were quite muddy.  Stopped in Lauzerte, a nice medieval town.  They were cleaning up from a renaissance festival the day before.  We found an actual supermarket at the foot of the village and bought some stuff for lunch.  It's Monday so we feel fortunate to find food.  Stopped at the tourism office where they booked us a place for tomorrow.  Took a tour through their Pelerin garden which was a cool museum-type area devoted to those who walk the way.  Traveled another 10 kilometers after that and had a nice stop at a crossroads store where we had our absolutely delicious picnic and a touch of coffee.  A 14 kilometer jaunt landed us in Moissac.  After a bit of a look around we found our Gite run by Rom and Aideen, a lovely couple from Ireland.  We were greeted with cool drinks and great hospitality.  After our normal afternoon routine we walked around the town center and then went to the cathedral where we heard the nuns sing some great Psalms.  The community dinner was quite good and fun where we pitched in and helped wash dishes after as their dishwasher had broken today.  

Gite Altreia - Clean, bunk beds, great family dinner and breakfast.  Run by a great couple from Ireland.  Superb hospitality.  

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.