Day 21: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to Saint-Géry

~8 miles, relatively flat and scenic (although one regrettable shortcut)

Today’s walk was fairly short and easy, except for an unfortunate shortcut we decided to take near the end of the day. We read that it would take off a few miles and a whole lot of elevation gain and loss, but was for the “adventurous.” Initially, the shortcut was fine, a scramble up a steep bank to an abandoned railroad bridge. But once across we had to navigate the path along the tracks, which was essentially overgrown blackberries and other thick brush. We walked through this tangle of thorns for about 10 minutes looking for a descent, which we eventually found, although a bit harrowing and unpleasant. We then ended up waking along a fairly busy road with no shoulder for about a mile and a half (forgot to take photos—focusing on not being smooshed by a car). At the end of the day it saved us a little time, but added a ton of stress. The saddest part of the shortcut was that the thick trail of thorns plucked my umbrella right out of the side of my pack without me realizing it and now she’s gone forever. She treated me so well on this journey and it was sad to lose her. Shortcuts are so rarely worth it. Oh well.

We stayed the night a cute Cambre d’Hôte called Un Nid Pour la Nuit (A Nest for the Night). The owners were so sweet and welcoming and our room was cozy and comfortable.

Dinner was a fun departure from the norm. The local bar in Saint-Géry does all you can eat Mussels and Fries every Friday night, which were delicious. There was also the cutest, sweetest bar dog that I hung out with and wanted to take home.