Day 2 Le Puy en Velay- Saint Privat d` Allier

Stage 1- 23.9 klms

Well here we are at the start. At 7AM we are invited to attend a beautiful ceremony in the Cathedral which is lit with many big candles and features The Black Madonna- a statue of the Virgin Mary that was burned by revoluntionaries, but is now restored.

Nuns sing hymms and some of the town folk are gathered to see us off. The priest speaks in many languages and informs us of the thousand years of heritage that we are now a part of. Its a very touching ceremony and we are all given special medallions and asked to each take a prayer left on notepapers by hundreds of people that come here. Mine is from someone called Collette and she soon becomes a travelling companion with me along with the memories of my family and friends that i carry with me.

The walk begins with a steep climb out of the town and valley (a sign of what is to come). The countryside out of the town is wonderful and I see the rooftops and giant statues from the crest of a ridge.

My guide book tells me that the end of the stage is at 600M above sea level, but fails to inform that there are ascents and descents to over 1000 metres.

I arrive at the town of Saint Privat about 6PM and find a gite, as i have booked nothing and will rely on this method at each stage. Along the way I walk with Rene and we meet some of the people from the morning`s ceremony. We find a grocery store and despite the fatigue, cook up a storm of pasta, cheese, bread and wine.

I can feel new muscles starting to complain and old injuries starting to surface. My pack seems too heavy and i start to consider what i really need. Many people have brought too much and worse still, the inexperienced ones have taken new boots.

My smile meter is at 7/10