Well it is the end of day four and I am a little more than a day and a half behind the schedule I planned in the States. The elation of Monday was quickly extinguished on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, I put on my pack and started off well enough; but at the top of what was supposed to be the first climb of the day I was out of breath and feeling every one the previous days 15 miles. After the extremely steep descent into Monistrol d’Allier at the end of which I could barely keep my balance. I sat down in a grassy area just on the edge of the town, looked at my map and saw a very steep ascent of more than 1200 feet over the next 3 miles and I realized that if I held on to my pride I would be stuck without a place lay my head at the end of the day. So, I said a prayer, set my pride aside and decided that just five miles would have to be good enough.

So after a good night’s sleep, I felt like my first day and walked about 15 miles with the biggest ascent of the journey so far. “From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who mad heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:2, Had I not listen to my helper, but to myself, I might not now be 50 miles into my journey.

A few photos of the walks so far:

Beginning of second day. Feeling good in the morning sun…..before the ascent.

Top of the hill second day: Rochegude (two photo bombers included).

Day 3: First view down at Monistrol d’Allier

3rd Day: Final view of valley whence I came. Monistrol is not visible in the canyon.

End of Third Day: Communal meal at the Gite.

Third Day: Art work on the trail looking down at town of Saugues.

Fourth Day: Chapelle Saint Roche.

Fourth Day: About two miles from my day’s hike. I saw a horse about 30 yards away. Made the ‘clicking’ sound and horse came straight over and allowed -no begged me to pet him. After scratching head for about 5 minutes, I finally had to leave the lonely boy.

Of the many things that I have found enjoyable during my journey so far art the Gite d’Etape. The French, when they are on the Camino or other hikes that go through the countryside, stay in Gites d’Etape on single beds and bunk beds meeting strangers on the trail. They sleep in the same room and eat in a communal dinning room. The food usually is usually the specialty of the region where the Gite is. Nothing like it in the States. Of course, all the dinners are followed with the cheese plate and then desert.

Rest assured all my soul is well.

Memory verses: Romans 8: 1-5.