Day 3 St Privat`d Allier- Saugues 23rd August

Stage 2

19.2 klms, 650 M

Departed at 8:30 AM and I realise that the French breakfast of bread, coffee and jams will not be enough to sustain a long days march, so i must develop a strategy to get in the optimum carbs.

Beautiful valleys and pastures on the way to Monistrol d`Allier. The village of St Privat is shrouded in a thick white mist that is very enchanting. Again my French guide book does not tell me that it is many kilometres up the rugged mountain and down steep descents. I note that the Germans have very good pocket sized guides which include topographic maps as well as historic and accommodation information- German efficiency!

Feeling more pains in lower back after steep climbs and descents. Must reduce pack or change pack configuration.

Again I did not book any accommodation, but figure something will work out.

The smile meter is still 7/10