15th May 2014 – 14km from Chatillon to Montjovet Church
Today has been a beautiful day & have worn my Hedrena top again as there is still a wind (but have promised myself I won’t wear it for a fourth day tomorrow and will wash it when I have a day off but it’s the only long-sleeved one I have…) so hope the wind drops tomorrow… Saw a beautiful view of the Matterhorn from the southern side (after seeing it from the northern side from St. Luc at Easter) and the scenery has been spectacular.
Today I had breakfast in a terrific big bar where the owner made everyone so welcome & told me to sit down (at no extra charge) and I then walked to St. Vincent, the spa place with the biggest casino in Europe, and found the most gorgeous pastry shop there so had a cappuccino and a couple of little marzipan cakes of different flavours which Rob would die for, and then set off to the destination of Chiesa de Montjovet. I got off the track a couple of times but managed to realize in time so only did a km or two extra. In the smallest places I have been impressed with the little vegetable gardens, so beautifully tended, which everyone seems to have and I thought these people just get on and lead their lives and don’t seem concerned with what the terrible political class do in Rome – I think it is the ingenuity, resourcefulness and character of the Italian people which let Italy survive. My guide book is already looking battered what with being pulled out & pushed into a very neat-fitting trouser leg pocket but it is terrific. When I booked the hotel this morning the woman said they would close from 3pm – 5pm so as I was feeling my blisters (which look pretty sick I must say but I just don’t want them to get infected and as I have never used Compeed bandages before, which dry out the blisters and will start to peel off when ready, am not sure if they are getting better or not…) I was like a horse to water to get here before 3pm… Think I did about 14 km. I asked for something to eat & a tea in a pot and the owner said to the waitress to make it a big pot, as they were about to close up. Unless blisters really give me cause for concern I plan to do 20km tomorrow as far as Hone but tomorrow is another day. Just hope it is fine again – was thinking that taking waterproof over-pants which I didn’t really want to bring is perhaps a good omen… As I am staying in hotels, haven’t had the courage to face hostel accommodation yet, haven’t met many people en route but this morning in my hotel I spoke to a man from Alsace whom I met as I left Aosta yesterday morning.
Must away & have a shower as it almost time for dinner.
