Montbonnet to Monstrol d’ Allier

For the past eleven years, I have engaged in a yearly walkabout. Even during the COVID years, I would take a modified version of my pilgrimage. I have learned and adapted to so many things, and I have gained valuable knowledge and experience. But, there is still one small thing that remains the same after all these years.

I hesitate to step out the door when it is raining. It’s not the rain that I dread, but that first step into it and possibly the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rain and can walk for hours in it, but that initial step always gives me pause.

One could argue that knowing it was raining before starting would allow you a dry moment to prepare. But not me. If I can walk five minutes before the rain starts, I know I will be okay! It sounds ridiculous, I know.

Predictably, it started to rain in Montbonnet before we stepped out the door, but it was not torrential, so I mustered up strength and forged ahead.

The trail was furrowed and rocky, with numerous ups and downs, setting a new standard for us. It inspired us with its unparalleled beauty, each turn revealing nature in its glory, and challenged us with its ruggedness. The rain added to this experience.

We made it to Monstroll d’Allier and stayed in a gite owned by Alain, which instantly felt welcoming. We shared our meals and conversations with a lovely group, fostering an enjoyable sense of community and connectiveness.

We dined with a young girl studying to be a physician, two physics professors, and an attorney from the USA. I appreciated the diversity of thoughts and ideas we shared and the ease with which we could discuss things.

The next day, I looked out my window to see a clear and beautiful morning. I quickly dressed and went down to breakfast. We enjoyed a hot coffee and a warm baguette with cheese and jelly. I ran back to finish my preparation for the day, eager to get out the door while the weather was still relatively nice. 

I tried not to rush as I hastily said my goodbyes and went out the door, eager to take my first step before the rain. I am unsure when it happened, but the skies were suddenly black and full, and the ground was wet. I was too late. But the good news is that as sure as I know it will stop, is as sure as I know it will start back up again. And I am going to be ready and at least five minutes down the road!

I am going to work on getting better at my rain departure issues. Soon.

You are lovedI