Monday, April 23, 2012

Stage 10 to Arjaqc

The day started chilly as usual and later became very (head)windy. But within the first five miles, we were greeted with the most amazing sight - the snow covered Pyrennees lining the horizon:



After toiling every day for more than a week to get to this point, it was a very moving moment. I reflected on the early pilgrims who went from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostella, and wondered what trepidations they had as they saw these huge masses looming in the distance.

The day was a mix of runnable roads and industrial quality slip'n'slides. Here's just one typical example to give a flavor - river in the middle, ankle deep clay either side, and thorny brambles framing the whole affair:



All shoes and socks will have to be disposed of as soon as Wednesday's last stage is past. Just two 40-mile stages to go!

Location:Chemin de Longy,Arzacq-Arraziguet,France

2 comments:

Christian Marti said...

and what is your preference: river or clay? beware of the thorns, scratches cannot be rinsed down as easily as mud. Claire will not like damaged goods ;-)

Just 2 stages to go - du courage!

Claire said...

Yes please dispose of all shoes and socks!! I'll buy you new ones as a belated birthday gift ;)