Restless

We went shopping this morning to the vibrant metropolis that is Miélan. Its charm perhaps escaped me. But after living amongst a different sort of iconography throughout my walk, I was intrigued by a shopfront with the sign "J.C. BACK" above it.

Unaccustomed to two nights in the same bed, I am easy at the prospect of moving on tomorrow. But Caroline will miss it here, not least the sunsets. She would like to return before too long, a long drive to do on your own, and not so near either a station or an airport.

Aussat

Caroline has had four weeks here in Midi-Pyrénées while I have been walking the Jakobsweg. (We have been texting each other, apart from an Easter phone conversation.)

Aussat is a scattered hamlet, a few kms. West of the gersois town of Miélan, further South than she was in last year's rented house. The countryside appears noticeably poorer, but undeniably tranquil, unspoiled. Orchids abound, and a nightingale sings in the garden.

Jules and Dave Buckingham have been agreeable landlords, keeping themselves to themselves, but sharing a fish supper one night, Scrabble another. Apart from the first few days, she's been on her own with the dog, walking in the fields down to the lake and sitting weaving out in the garden. Now I've come for two nights to spoil the peace.