Monday the 20th of September.

Last night I rented a room through Airbnb. It turned out to be Benedicte’s charming house in Arboras. She was’nt there when I arrived but sent an SMS beforehand with instructions on where I could find the key. She also left a note on the kitchen table inviting me to make myself at home. After the usual ritual of having a shower and washing my underwear she arrived and said there was a concert in the church that evening. I had picked up a tin of sardines, a tomato and avocado in Montpeyroux which I had for dinner before we set off to the concert. Zakouska was the band and they played an enrapturing concert. An accordionist, two violinists and a guitarist. Afterwards I was invited to have a beer with a few of the locals and met group who were in the area for the vendange.

The next morning it was pleasant chatting to Benedicte while having breakfast after which I began my day’s walk in bright sunshine. I followed a single track path through the undulating hills and was rewarded with breath-taking views. An hour later it started to drizzle, I put on my swimming trunks, a light sleeveless shirt and wore my raincoat.

Today I did a modest 10kms and plan to extend the daily distances I travel. Tomorrow the plan is to do a 14km  walk to Lodève and on Wednesday about 23kms.

• Camino