Getting in shape for the Camino

We have decided that we really should do some hiking with our packs as we leave on the 5th April to fly to Porto to start walking the Camino Portugués. So off we went yesterday, heading towards Grabels, about 5km away. After less than 1km, we were along the Mosson river, and it was such a lovely walk. The amount of detritus in the trees and bushes around, clearly told us how high the water had come in the big storms in September/October 2014.

At one point, I tried to cross a stream the hard way. Les then pointed out the safer bridge close by.

We arrived in Grabels in time to have a look around, buy a croissant and step into the only bar/café in town for a coffee. And one of the best café crémes we've had...large and hot. As we headed back through the town, we spied the church. This church is very supportive of the camino, this particular route known as the Chemin d'Arles or the Voie d'Arles, which begins in Arles, goes through Montpellier on it's way to Toulouse and then on to Puente la Reina in Spain. They say that all roads lead to Rome, but around here, a whole lot of them lead to Santiago, which if you look closely, is only 1556km from here.

Home again, a trip to Ikea for cookies and the Decathlon store for a more suitable pack. But, for the fashionistas out there, no worries, as the new pack is PINK! 

And then home for our favourite light dinner......salade chèvre chaud.