St Jacques de Compostelle- Return to Figeac 30th July 2007

On board the TGV from Paris to Figeac via Brive in the South West of France. Last year I finished the ten day hike at Figeac and it hardly seems like a year has gone by. Did not dare dream that I could make it back so soon either after traumatic events in Australia, where I was looking after my seriously ill father.

A chance opportunity to suspend my contract arose and within 48 hours I had bought the Air France ticket and was flying to Paris. Like some dream I got a surprise upgrade to business class, which is very special on AF. I can say quite openly that I shed a tear upon receiving such a gift. The champagne, single malt whiskeys, Bordeaux, Medoc and other treats kept me more than sated as I consumed glass after glass before curling up in the bed that had minutes before been my seat. Huddled in the foetal position, all stresses from the past year evaporated like the spirits i was consuming.

Now on the way to the hike, I questioning if I am strong enough to undertake the hike. I console myself that like all previous ventures, I will take it a step at a time and if need be, will stop. The usual pre-adventure trepidation is therefore heightened.

Arriving in Figeac brings no sentimentality from the last time. It seems different, or is it just me that has changed? I think so!

So what lies ahead on the solo hike? Who will i meet this time? What things will i experience and learn from?