13th of September.

The Gite, L’Amairadou is deluxe, built by the Compagnons. Though my hips were aching after a swim I felt like a new born. Once Jacques the host showed me around he took off and I had the whole place to myself. The calm and peace is glorious.

All the way from Revel the path ran through the country side alongside the river, La Rigole de la plaine reaching the Canal du Midi at Port Lauragais. It was satisfying to have completed that section of the Camino. Following the natural meanderings of the waterway imbued me with a deep sense of tranquility. I felt an outpouring of gratitude for having been given the opportunity to experience the profound feeling of being integrated with the natural surroundings. Now a long flat comfortable stretch along the Canal lay before me. The water calmly gliding along the canal in long straight stretches in a steady, peaceful flow. I look forward to having the Canal by my side for the next 38 Kms all the way to Toulouse.

Friday 8th of October

Some people in L’isle-Jourdain have been using their God given grace to create a beautiful area. The staff at the Tourism Office were welcoming and helpful when I booked advising me to buy supplies before traversing the village to the tourist office to check in saving me a trip back into the village to buy dinner and something for breakfast.

There are two lakes one left entirely for wildlife and the other has a wakeboarding cable for entertainment and fun. There are kids playgrounds, opens green spaces, a dedicated cycling track, hardened walkways and a covered municipal pool, so although chilly I saw a group of kids frolicking in the pool. Plenty of peaceful tranquil corners, benches and picnic tables. And of course a lovely stopover gîte for pilgrims right alongside the Chemin de Compostelle. I suspect the mayors of this village over time have made it into a beautiful and welcoming place. Today en route I stopped to pick some lavender and rosemary so tomorrow morning I can fill my thermos with delicious herbal tea. A group has booked the gîtes ahead me so the next free bed I could book is 32kms further on at Gîte Pied à Terre en Gascogne.

Maubourguet Friday 15th October.

I had heard from a cyclist that the Chambre d’hōtes-Villa Imaginaire in Maubourguet was legendary. Apparently the hosts were exceptional, delicious meals were served for guests who all ate together around a huge dining room table. As I had just stayed two nights in Marciac at the “Tower Gîte” I felt I would be undeservedly spoiling myself and too costly to stay at Villa Imaginaire where the minimum price to stay was 35€. Demi-pension (dinner and breakfast included) was the only option. When I attempted to make a booking for the cheaper option I was informed that it was closed. I phoned the number given in the guide for Villa Imaginaire and got Maximilien, the owner on the line and asked him if I could just have a bed without the meals being included. Although he didn’t say it outright I gathered he wasn’t too keen on the idea and suggested, “Just come, don’t worry, you can pay whatever you want.” From the moment I stepped in the door I felt very welcome, was taken to the garden, offered tea, soft drinks, wine or beer for refreshment and got chatting to the other guests. Later on that evening I was introduced to other Camino walkers, François and Erhard and a couple from the States who had previously completed other Camino routes. I soon began to understand that a stay at Villa Imaginaire was not just for food and a bed it was geared for guests to have a wonderful experience. An opportunity to meet people with fascinating stories, to be royally fed and be provided with cozy lodgings. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast I felt paying 35€ was a pittance for all that had been provided. To cap it all the stamp given in my credential was a real wax impression of the Camino symbol, a scallop shell. François, Erhard and myself set off in high spirits. I was so grateful that the place I had originally wanted to stay was closed. François opted to stop at a Gîte in the early afternoon, Erhard and myself continued on to our next stop in Anoye, 23kms from Maubourguet.