Although I was at the breakfast table before 7, it was 8 by the time I was ready to leave. I passed a lovely picnic spot after 4 km but it was on the other side of a high fence, obviously for motorists not hikers. A little later, I sat on a log and was preparing to complete the last blog, when suddenly …
A PILGRIM ARRIVED, AND JOINED ME ON THE LOG.
Marie-Dominique has been walking this route in stages, beginning from her home the other side of Paris. Her present stage started yesterday at Joigny, and she also spent the night in Neuilly. We shall be staying in the same place tonight and the day after tomorrow.
We walked more-or-less together until we realised that we were off the route. Then she decided to go back to a side road, and I to continue to the next junction of D roads.
Before I arrived there, a car stopped beside me, and I accepted a lift to Auxerre. I was dropped off near the Cathedral, and enjoyed a tasty expensive lunch at one of the many restaurants.
I thought the Cathedral would be a good place to chill out.
But a wedding would begin at 14:30, so I made my way to the park near the Maison des Randonneurs. Several cyclists are also sprawling on the grass. Perhaps they too are waiting for the hostel to open.
I hope Marie-Dominique isn’t worried about not seeing me on the road. But I don’t think she was planning to stop for lunch.
Once I have checked in, I need to find a shop for food for tonight and the next couple of days (though my hostess tomorrow will make me a meal), and go to Mass at St Peter’s Church. The one at the Cathedral isn’t till 10:30 am, too late to start walking in the heat.
emeritablog: life after work 