What a luxury! To be in a BED at 9AM!

Today was a day of rest and of catching up.  Anything that cold be dried was. A quick late afternoon walk with the dogs, then an evening meal with the neighbours. Alan and Monique have been most hospitable and I was treated to some of Alan’s very special “Pineau” that he proudly makes himself. We had it as an aperitif, where its smoothe sweetness made it very easy to drink in quantity, although having found out that it was probably 17 or 18% alcohol, this was probably not a good idea!

Their son Julien, has started an organic sourdough buisness from one of the outbuildings; using yeast derived from the flour itself and selling at markets and on the internet. Strangely I had been looking at going on a breadmaking course in England and to find it being made on my doorstep was a wonderful coincidence.

It turns out that tomorrow, Monique is to set off from Limoges to walk for 2 weeks on Le Route de St. Jacques! Her route is more widely followed and probably more sociable than mine. A point to bear in mind if I ever attempt this again. Also because of this, there is more cheap accomodation on the way. She is not carrying a tent, and a pack of 11-14kg, so is buying a Guide in Limoges of places to stay. I also found out that the “Maison de retreat” that I had seen signs to in numerous villages, were not for pilgrims but retirement homes!

I was also introduced to a neighbouring farmer, whose sheep I can hear in the background. I also met Alan’s sister and her husband, André, who live opposite with  a most beautifully marked cat.

We finished the evening inside their farmhouse which dates from about 1750, with wonderful beams, stone fireplace and bread oven. A most delightful and hospitable evening.