We decided to leave Le Puy after the morning Mass at Puy-en-Velay Cathedral. We had heard there was a pilgrim blessing, and many people had found it a significant way to begin their walk. We would need to be there by 0700, and as always, I could not sleep the night before we started, so I was ready well in advance. I’m sure Tom thought it was a bit early, but he got up and attended without complaint.
The Mass was in French, so I did not understand most of it, but I was given a written prayer in English, which I read daily on the trail.
Almighty God, you never cease to show your goodness to those who love you, and you allow yourself to be found by those who seek you. Look favorably now upon your servants who are setting out on pilgrimage and direct their way according to your will. Be for them shade in the heat of the day, light in the darkness of night, relief in tiredness, so that they may come safely, under your protection, to the end of their journey, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
For me, walking is prayer, so it was easy to incorporate these words into my routine.
The Cathedral was a sight to behold, with its magnificent architecture and the devout residents who gathered for the early morning mass. The most unforgettable part for me was when the cathedral floor opened up, and we were directed to exit below the church and begin our walk. It was a grand invitation to start this chemin, a moment that filled me with excitement.
The first day’s challenges are always the most demanding, pushing us to our limits and strengthening our resolve and determination. We begin to develop our walking routine and get back into the practice of walking all day. We are also working on our stamina on terrain much different from what we are used to, a reminder that each day is a journey.
Our walk out of town was challenging primarily because it was uphill most of the time. Even with the detour that added a few extra miles to our walk, it was a valuable learning experience. We gained insights into reading the trail and honed our skills in off-trail walking and using our GPS.
Despite the challenges, it was a beautiful walk and a perfect start to our pilgrimage. We were tired when we finally reached Montbonnet, and seeing our first gite was a welcome relief. Our gracious host, Gerldadine, welcomed us with open arms, and her warm hospitality made us feel right at home. The promise of a delicious dinner at 7:00 was the perfect end to our day.
We enjoyed a lovely home-cooked meal and met a few people we would see throughout our walk. The joy of meeting new people and forming bonds on the trail added a warm and comforting element to our journey.
We were asleep by 8:00, and I was hopeful about the next day’s walk. I was pretty sure we were going to make it.
You are loved.
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 