Ah, a rest day. Tried to keep walking to a minimum, but spent the day as a tourist.
Grabbed a train to the scenic city of Rocamadour. This 1000-year clifftop city sits above the Dordogne river and has a long history of pilgrimage. Tour de France fans may remember it from this year’s Stage 20 time trial.
The photo above is of Rocamadour from down the valley. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever seen.
Bill, what’s a normal day like for pilgrims on the Camino?
6:45ish … Wake-up.
7:00ish … Breakfast at the gite. Usually self-serve.
7:45ish… Start walking. Often grab lunch supplies before leaving town from the local boulangerie (bakery). Stop at small towns for snack/drinks when available.
12:00ish… Stop for lunch. Usually about one-third of hike still remains.
12:30ish… Keep walking. Curse all rocky downhill trails.
2:30ish … Arrive. Check in. Take a shower. Hand wash clothes and hang them up to dry.
3:30-7:00ish … Nap. Blog. Explore a little.
7:00ish … Dinner. Then veg and go to sleep around 10.
Bill on the Camino 
Bill, I am thoroughly enjoying your daily blog. The pictures are beautiful. What an incredible journey.
Glad to hear it. I suspect this is going to get boring. Basically it’s… Bill walks, Bill eats, Bill sees sites.
Nope, it won’t get boring for me. I look forward to seeing the daily posts; experiencing new locations, new cuisine, new fellow pilgrims and the architecture.
Bill – A trip of a lifetime, and by foot! I am thoroughly enjoying your blog, especially the humor! Keep the stories and pictures coming. Wishing you the best!
I’ll add you to the October 2 prayer list!
Thanks Bill, I will do the same! Enjoy!!
Looks like a great place to stop and explore. I appreciate the video snippets. Just keep walking, just keep walking…
Bill – I am grateful that you are well and enjoying your adventure so far. Really grateful that you’re sharing your photos and experiences… I am and will be following your blog, and I will be expecting to see “Day 40 xxx”. Remember, if you need encouragement, many of us will say “I hear you” but just “Shut up and work harder” to get to that next town. 🙂 Now, next set of photos and description of the town/food/environment, please?!
LOL. Needed that.
Does the “beer and blog” happen during that 3:30ish time frame?
Time changes. Activity doesn’t.
Bill, I’m so glad – but not the least bit surprised! – that things are going well. I am a little surprised you aren’t meeting more pilgrims who speak English. Not many Americans walk the Le Puy route but there are usually lots of Germans and Austrians and they often do. This will change once you get to Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Im loving your blog and photos and those church bells. Hearing them ring made me want to jump on the first flight to Paris and hit the trail!
Wishing you continued smooth sailing , so to speak. And of course, buen Camino!
Lots of French pilgrims can speak a little English. That helps a lot. I feel like I’m communicating more and more with folks.
I’ve been enjoying your reflections and your photos, but today’s photos were especially interesting and enjoyable. I can certainly see why you decided to give up some of your rest to visit Rocamadour, and I hope you are rested enough for the next leg of your journey.