Golinhac to Conques- 22 kms

Another glorious day. We started out at a faster pace today, but that didn’t last long as the day got hotter and hotter.

As we walked along a young guy overtook us. ‘Bonjour,’ he said as he powered along. Even though he was walking fast he had a sense of calm about him. It made me wonder why such a young (and good looking) guy would walk alone.

Then we got discussing whether we could ever do it alone, but both reckoned we’d rather do it with someone if we had the choice.

At 12, we found a shop that was open and bought a baguette and some cheese, and backtracked to a picnic area we saw earlier.

As we were eating, we saw the young guy from earlier, getting water from the fountain. He had a large wooden cross around his neck.

I realised then, that he was doing the walk for religious reasons, like so many are, unlike us.

We walked down a steep hill and arrived in a fairy tale town called Conques.

That evening we dined al fresco on the terrace of our hotel overlooking the cathedral, then we went to church for the organ recital.

A haunting melody echoed about the walls while shadows danced on the ceiling, the audience mesmerised.

‘I know this song,’ I said to Mike.

‘Shhh,’ said Mike.

‘Where do I know this song from?’

Another dirty look from Mike.

‘Aah, they played it at Dave and Kasias wedding in Poland. How cool!’

Mike wasn’t amused.

After the organ recital we went outside to watch a light display. Neither of us understood it.

As we headed back to our hotel we saw the young guy who had overtaken us earlier in the day, but now he was dressed in black robes. He must be a monk.