Well it was still getting unbelievably hot so I was on full transfer to Estaing today. I started the day walking around st Come for a few last minute snaps and a coffee before waiting patiently outside the pharmacy for the bus. Years ago I’m sure the post office or the bank would be the iconic meeting point in any town but I’m noticing in France the pharmacies are the standout service in each village. Often modern standalone buildings with flashing lights indicating the time and temperature and always providing parking. I guess older people and those with mobility issues would find it easier to access given the narrow steep streets in most of these towns. Anyway I digress!

The bus arrived and gave me a wonderful tour through the hillsides before dropping me at another of France’s most beautiful villages. I can’t tell you how pleased I was to arrive here without pain! I wandered up and down to the tourist information, the church and the river and bumped into a few of the earlier pilgrims who were speed demons compared to me.

I ate lunch in a lovely cool tapas bar and watched young boys swimming in the river at sunset. I was pleased to see them walking around later unaffected by the giant trout !

Thankfully another pool awaited my visit and a very large fan was placed in my room. it wasn’t quite up to 40c again but it wasn’t far off it so walking was not exactly the best idea again.

Only one more sleep until two of our favourite pilgrim friends from 2018 would arrive in conques to participate in this heatwave or bougy camino as some might call it!

Bon nui