The sun has returned and the mud is drying. Locals also tell us the trail will be flat for the next couple of days.
Henry, Denis, and Christine are from France. They are grandparents out walking with their grandson on the Chemin for a week. Christine and Denis have walked many Caminos, including one in Italy.
Today we were rewarded with a shorter day, only 16 km, and a beautiful town to explore. At the edge of town we made a 1 km detour to a sports store so Mark D could buy some new rubber tips for his walking sticks. He’s worn through two inferior pairs so far. Here’s hoping these ones last. I looked at shoes as mine have lost most of the tread, a problem when traversing mud. They didn’t have shoes to fit my needs so I will keep looking.
Mossaic is another medieval town with a church dating back 1000 years. The church has been renovated and added to over the centuries so it shows several styles and building materials. There is a public square in front of the church where we ate pizza for lunch. It was cold and breezy eating outside but we are hardy.
Behind the church is La Maison Des Pelerins, a place pilgrims can rest and have coffee or tea. Two welcoming women chatted with and served us. This place is a Donativo; they only accept donations for their hospitality.
Laura is a volunteer greeter at La Maison Des Pelerins, a place where pelerins can rest and visit in Mossaic.
Klody is a volunteer greeter at La Maison Des Pelerins, a place where pelerins can rest and visit in Mossaic. She has walked many Caminos.
We spent the night at Gite de L’Ancien Carmel de Mossaic, a former Carmelite convent. It can house up to 80 but I think there were only 25 here now. It is early in the season. For dinner we were served a puree soup, bread, rice and sausage, and a piece of custard pie.
Mark D and I took the first step tonight in planning our return home. We booked a flight from Porto, Portugal to Toronto. We will wait a little longer to decide how and when we will get to Porto. Where we finish this Chemin in Saint Jean Pied de Port is not really easy to reach or leave. It will mean an 11 hour bus ride or a train, bus, plane combo. We could walk beyond St. Jean Pied de Port if our pace allows. We’ve got time. Mark K hasn’t decided when he will be finished walking yet. It is nice to have options.