The Self Serve Gite....

Last night we stayed at the Ferme de la Hounde Lacoste, home of Jean-Michel, near Louvigny  . Although I had a fairly good nights sleep. I woke up groggy and took my Parkinson's meds and an antiimflatory late. I was slow getting packed up and paid my bill after all other guests had left. Jean Michel the owner told me that Leslie had paid him to give us a ride to Pomps. From there we would walk 9 km to Arthez-De-bearn we would stay in the gite of the baker. Gite bolangerie Brousse.

Finally, after three hours of walking hills, minimal mud...and Leslie yelling at me to stay out of the road...we arrived at the bolangerie and gite.  Leslie tried all the doors and no one answered. We snooped around a bit and found an open bathroom. I was just about ready to fall asleep with my head on the table when Leslie managed to push the main door open. We went inside and found well worn leather chairs, a tables for 12 and a fridge stocked with beer and pop.  Soon we discovered a note that had all guests names and room assignments. We slung our packs on and headed up to the third floor where we found a large bed room with adjacent bathroom. Two queen beds with crisp ironed sheets. 

Luxury

A note on the fridge said

Drinks€1.   Washing machine €1.  Instant coffee €1 postcards €1

What a bargain

We made ourselves at home in the self serve gite. Other guests seemed to be very familiar with this process. Everyone moved in and returned to the common area to visit.  At 7 pm Brousse the baker returned with dinner for the hungry pilgrims. 

The usual laughter and conversation carried on until 9 pm when the weariness and wine caught up with all. I am starting to hear words instead of just sounds, sentences instead of patterns.