We left Saint Quentin a bit late because we only had 16 kms to go and checking in early isn’t always an option. We found two stops but were unsure of the first one because the information was limited. so we skipped it. And along the route saw it on the other side of the river it was closed.
As we walked along the river we were passed by cyclists and we encountered walkers and runners. There was a large walking group that past us in three groups. The first group walked by quickly and asked as walking by “Saint Jacques?” Oui was our response.
The second group came by and one man engaged Noël in a long conversation. He was very interested in where we started and where we were going. His wife and another woman from the group had walked a portion of the camino from Le Puy last year and were planning on finishing it this year.
We walked a long time by the river to our right and a forest to our left, over 11 kms. we occasionally heard gun shots in the forest so even though there were benches from time to time we didn’t feel comfortable sitting.
Our second stop was a small cafe/restaurant. As we walked in we were warmly greeted by the owner. Noël told her what we were doing and she said we could sit and drink until 1:00. The restaurant was fully reserved.
We ordered drinks and then she came back by and encouraged us to eat something since we had such a long journey. We ordered a pizza and it was delicious. A couple sitting next to us engaged us in conversation asking about our trip. It was a perfect stop. Perfect!!
We made our way to the local supermarket to get breakfast food and had to hurry because it closed at 1. No problem. And again great interest in our journey.
From there we had 5+ kms/3.5 miles to our accommodation. Again this is a beautiful story. When we booked through air b&b the host said that the linens and towels are extra. Noël said okay and he said that we are pilgrims walking the camino from The Netherlands to Santiago de Compostela and that we are in our 60s. He immediately replied the linens and towels are free and I will fix you dinner. WOW!!!
Since we left Saint Quentin we have been following both the camino route as well as the Via Francigena. Via Francigena is the pilgrimage route that goes from Canterbury, England to Rome and then to Jerusalem.
Hope you are well. We have traveled 331 kms/206 miles. Feel free to contribute 30 or 20 Eros/dollars to our gofundme.
Tripping Into Grace 