6 September Overcast, very humid, some light dripping

A few parts to this post: the ride to Montcuq, QB walk, the fabulous and interesting place we are staying, and comments about the exterior of the buildings.

Not very clean socks.

In the post by KB the ride was discussed and QB’s (aka Slacker Pilgrim) walk mentioned. This post contains pics from her walk.

Slacker Pilgrim cabbed to Lascaban (“village fleurie,” very clean stones, closed). After marching forthwith in the wrong direction, wheezed back uphill and headed toward Montcuq, allegedly 9km. Interesting walk over open Heath with old sunflowers (photo). Occasional sprinkles, no wildlife or roadkill. Surfaces of paths are white. Area is called Quercy blanc. Saw shepherd’s hut. Arrived Montcuq in time for lunch (croque madame); otherwise Moncuq mostly closed. Watched guys playing petanque (photo). Found open boulangerie.

After suitable investigation of the village we went to the Chambre d’hôte. This is a renovated 15th century building – renovated by Bob and Claude Vell, previously successful in the fashion industry.

see http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Vell

naturally you can use google translate to convert the page into your native language.

Their place is described at

http://www.4ruemontmartre.com/anglais/home.html

but sadly it lacks pictures of the place. Some are supplied in this post.

As a side note their daughter has a restaurant in Berkeley, CA.
http://www.lanoterestaurant.com/

Discussed with Bob that the exterior of the buildings in this region, for the past several days and even longer, are clean and scrubbed. Not like the North of France we were more familiar with, nor like the South when we last visited. He said that persons here take pride and have spent the expense to clean up the lovely buildings, unlike other parts of France. It is quite spectacular to see. Bob and Claude being designers are heart have done this place with great care and outstanding taste. Including washcloths in bathroom. Unseen elsewhere. QB clean for first time since leaving Cali. 75 steps from the basement to the top floor – Bob and Claude will remain in good shape.

Dinner was suggested for 8:30, much later than the 7:30 we have been accustomed to. We may have compromised on 8pm due to early bedtime for pilgrims. Changing as we get closer to Spain?

Shout out to Nike dri fit socks with R & L foot. Sold in packs of four. Better than regular hiking socks and not very expensive. Similar hi-tech socks here are 9euros.