Ahhh …

Rest day, wash day, planning day. Sooo relieved to be here!

I will have a one day unplanned layover because there are no accommodations available in Bapaume (the next reasonable walk) until Sunday night, then on to Peronne (where I have located accommodations), then on to Vermand, then Terginier, then to Laon. \240 I am fortunate to have been successful in getting these places lines up for the next five days — a convent, parish house, guest house, etc. \240Here’s an example of today’s communication and the low down for Wednesday night:

Hello Joseph: \240Following your call, you will be welcome at Tergnier, from 25 to 26 July. Please, indicate the street "rue \240Victor HUGO" on your GPS. There lies the main church of Tergnier. Call me when you arrive and if possible the day before, indicate \240approximately your arrival time. Unfortunetely, at this time, we don't have the possibility to propose you to take a shower, but this is possible and free in a social building of the town witch is appreciate by the pelgrins. The accomadation is confortable and a kitchen with hot water is disponible. You will also find markets at Tergnier.

We just ask a donativo, according to your possibilities. This must not be à problem for you.

Have a good journey

Pierre (deacon)

Places to stay for the next 5 nights? I’m delighted!

I spent time wandering around Arras - I \240have visited here before in 1994 with my folks and siblings (celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the D Day landing). \240This village was ravaged by bombing during Before that visit I recall reading a book called Airman’s Odyssey. It was a collection of the narratives by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of Le Petite Prince). The last narrative in the book was called Flight to Arras.

As I understand, Arras was wiped out during WW1, but rebuilt based on medieval plat maps of the city. \240The architecture is fascinating.

I must look like a real itinerant (oh, wait a minute … I am one), because as I was prepping for on-the-road nourishment for tomorrow a market vendor initially refused to let me pay for a slice of cheese and some olives, then another wouldn’t take money for a banana. \240The first marketeer said in translated French: “kindness begets kindness. \240Good journey to you!” \240A sound metaphor for many occasions in life, methinks!

Week one in the books, a break-in period testing my tank!. \240I can do back-to- back 30 mile days if I have to, but I don’t want to again if I can avoid it. There have been directional signs along the way but very often they can be easily overlooked; one has to be mindful to look for the signs for the path. \240Getting lost is not difficult and takes some courage to correct course, but may, at times, evolve into a delightful experience. Having a safe place to sleep is truely an indescribable joy.

“Push on” with entheos, come what may!!