Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025
Day: 19
From: Moissac To: St. Antoine
Start Walking: 615am End Walking: 231pm
Time: 6h36m
Distance (Planned): 28.2km Distance (Garmin): 28.04km
Progress: 476.9/765km
Ascent: 247m Descent: 221m
Weather: Clear as a bell, then high cloud moving in and hot! 27°C at the moment.
Stayed At: La Maison du Bois
General Comments:
• You will be happy to know that I have now stopped moaning about the lack of level terrain! Today, I had it in spades with the first 16km or so on a gloriously flat tow path next to a canal.
• And we had the canal to ourselves for the first 3 hours with our early start and it being a Sunday morning, only mad Aussies with backpacks get out of bed far too early to walk 28km. The French have a far more laid back approach to Sundays.
• After about 9am more people appeared – joggers, dog walkers, cyclists etc, but no other pelerins like us. Maybe more people finished their walk in Moissac than we expected? Later in the day we did see 3 other walkers, but certainly not the 40-50 we have been strolling with.
• Again, we were walking in a food bowl area with a predominance of corn and wheat. When we left the canal area, we did walk past a large strawberry stall, but sadly it was empty. The strawberries have been magnificent.
• Of course, the flat the terrain had to end and we were faced with a stiff climb up to Auvillar. Huffing and puffing we arrived hot and sweaty messes, and as we entered the main square area we heard all these Aussie accents. We couldn’t resist stating the bleeding obvious by saying to them, “you sound like Aussies”, to which they all heartily agreed.
• We stood and chatted for a moment and I said to one lady, “your name isn’t Grace is it?”. She was shocked as I had recognised her as an Australian history author called Grace Karskens. I had met her and her husband many years ago when she came to my home town, which is where her sister also lives.
• It was one of those freaky things that you never expect to happen and really brighten your day when they do. I suspect we will both be dining out on this story for a while.😁
• After that highlight, it was a hot and sweaty slog to St. Antoine. Thankfully there were small sections of shade to rest in before heading into the heat once again.
• Another amazing day’s walking in France.
Top Tips:
• Today we didn’t finish the stage as recommended by the guidebook and added on another 8km from tomorrow’s stage, trying to even out the distances a bit. You do what works best for you.
• Our accommodation tonight is lovely. Highly recommended and I have high hopes for dinner too!
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
You are walking through some beautiful countryside and villages.
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We are. Every day delivers new beauty. We are very lucky.💕
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Auvillar is near where we housesat. It is a lovely scenic area and the markets were enjoyable. The canal image is what I remember of Moissac. I hope you enjoyed your dinner. Bon Chemin xx
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Ah, I’m glad I am bringing back some happy memories for you. And Yes, dinner was delicious- full of local produce. The French people sure are gourmands!😁
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You are 😊
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🤩😍
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I love those freaky moments when the past coincide with the present 🙂
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Yes, and if were 15 minutes later, it would never have happened!
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Another lovely day of walking, and I’m glad it was a bit more flat! 🙂
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Back to the hills today!😳😳
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Canalside walking I can do. Perhaps start at 7.00, but those sunrise scenes are magnificent. I love that pump too. 29C here this weekend, Mel, but it will ease back later this week. It was a bit warm for walking today, but we’ve usually reached our lunch spot by 1.00. Enjoy tomorrow!
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Thanks, Jo. Rain forecast here for the next few days and hopefully a bit cooler too. Happy Monday walk to you. Xx
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Pretty scenery. And what a fun small world moment. I love when things like that happen!
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Yes, it was pretty amazing. You couldn’t have planned it if you had tried!
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What an amazing small world story!
Sorry, Mel, but I’m pretty sure that “Of course, the flat the terrain had to end and we were faced with a stiff climb up to Auvillar. Huffing and puffing we arrived hot and sweaty messes…” still qualifies as moaning about the lack of level terrain. 😂
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True! I will no longer complain about the terrain! 🤣😄😄
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I was just teasing you. You’ve earned the right to complain about whatever you want!
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It’s all good! Nice to have you keeping me focussed! 😉😁
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Aah, canals! I love them! What a surprise that you bumped into Grace – I believe she was at the second Mudgee Readers’ Festival, wasn’t she? Here’s hoping you don’t get rain anything like ours on the mid-north coast; we currently have a minor-to-moderate flood prediction and ‘prepare to isolate’ warning 🫣 Toujours bon chemin mes amis! 👣 x
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I can’t remember which one she attended, but it was definitely an early one. Sending you blue sky and fair wind wishes, although it’s raining here too!🌧🌧⛈ You will have webbed feet soon!🤣
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😂🦆🤣
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OMG! Just heard the rainfall figures for Taree! Keep swimming, chick! And stay safe. Xx
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Thanks! We’d need a boat if we wanted to go shopping but luckily the freezer is full so as long as there’s not a power cut, we’re good for a few days. Life really is One Big Adventure, hey??
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Yep, but some adventures you can do without! Stay safe and dry! Xx
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The people you meet on the Camino are definitely one of the highlights of this walk … but meeting fellow countrymen far from your homeland is even more special. Love the sunshine in your photos!
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Yes, yes and yes. There is so much to love about a Camino.
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