Donned my rain gear & pack and began my walk to the end-of-the-day \240off-track town of Vermand. \240Lots of: rain, mud, green fields, literally EMPTY villages (glad I’m packing water and food), crucifixes leaving the villages, church bells tolling (listen below), and American-brand vehicles (first ones so far - Ford, Chevy, and a PU with a topper).

Pleased by: a roadside vending machine selling baguettes (ghost villages). a V.F. mural in a tiny village, basketball hoops and darling reaction from a gaggle of little kids parroting what they’ve likely heard on TV - AMERICA! The Bronx is best (what?), hellooo, where is the toilet (giggles)! \240Some of the architecture is changing as exemplified by some churches.

I walked off-track thinking about every step I will have to retrace to get BACK on track. \240On and on to the village of Vermand. \240Okay, where the hell am I - “Pardon Monsiuer, \240…” More walking and finally the understated convent is there.

The convent is the Order of Poor Ladies (or Claires). \240As I understand,, Saint Clare of Assisi was a thirteenth-century cofounder of the Order and perhaps the most famous protégé of Saint Francis of Assisi. She is renowned for her radical devotion to the ideal of evangelical poverty.

i \240was greeted by none other than Sister Claire. \240She got me set up in their small outbuilding, all to myself, and provided me a well receive glass of water along with a pitcher full. \240The Google translator precipitated soo much laughter. Oh my!

Following their evening prayers \240Sister Claire returned aroind 7:30 with “fixings” for dinner and breakfast (and for a creative sandwich for lunch) supplemented by my jar of honey. More laughter. Her art work is impressive!

The off-track walk was worth it in the end! \240Another outstanding day. I slept soundly.

Soeur claire

25rue de Bihécourt

02490 Vermand

France