Day 14 - The Wild West

Today after a long day of walking I've made it to.........the French version of the Wild West!

Here you can enjoy a week in a Pioneer wagon,

A bohemian train car,

......or in an authentic Indian tipi!

The food at the Saloon is in the style of Tex Mex, servers are wearing plad and there's country music playing in the background, the only thing missing are real cowboys!

Day "lucky" 13!

The morning was tough. 

A heavy thunderstorm set in at around 7:30am, I was about to pack up my stuff but I realized that staying in my tent was a much better idea. Finally at around 9:30am the rain stopped, the clouds dispersed and the sun came out as if nothing ever happened. 

I knew this day would be special but I didn't realize how special till I arrived at my campsite.

After 13 days of walking totally solo I finally bumped into 3 pilgrims cycling to Santiago.

Though I've grown accustomed to being mostly alone, it was great to have a laugh in the company of new friends. Thanks for a great evening. Buen Camino!

Day 11 & 12 - I walk in silence.....

I walk in silence thinking about all the blood that has spilled on this land.

I think a lot about death and war. I pass many different war cemeteries a day and I think about all the mothers that had to burry their children, all the wives that lost their husbands and all the children who never got to meet their fathers. I think a lot about life as I seem to be surrounded by death.

I listen to the silence that surrounds me and I'm happy I'm here paying tribute to all those that lie in these silent fields in everlasting peace.

Day 10 - Arras, Notre Dame de Lorette and Vimy Ridge

Today I took a day of rest at the home of Jean & Anne Jung, who I'd like to Thank once again for their hospitality and generosity!

I visited the beautiful city of Arras, with it's Flemish architecture and winding cobbled streets.

I also had the privilege to visit the French war memorial of Norte-Dame de Lorette, the Canadian memorial at Vimly Ridge and a Polish monument commemorating all those who lost their lives during the Great War. It's astonishing how many lost their loved ones during those troubled times.

I'm so grateful that I get to live in a time of freedom and peace.

Day 9 - Mont-Saint-Éloi

As I walked from Bruay-la-Buissière to Arras I stumbled upon the ruins of Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Éloi.

According to legend the abbey was established in the 7th century by Saint Vindicianus, a disciple of Saint Eligius (Saint Éloi) and by the Middle Ages it become a powerful religious centre. The turbulent times of the French Revolution took their toll on the structure and all that has survived are the twin towers and the porch on the west wall.

During the Great War the towers were used by French troops to observe German positions on Lorette Spur and Vimy Ridge.

Day 8- Little Silesia (Śląsk) in France

Today I visited the mining cities of Bruay la Buissière, Marles les Mines and Divion. 

It felt like I was taken back to the Silesia (Śląsk) region of Poland. With street names such as, rue de Pologne, rue de Katowice and rue de Cracovie, I could feel the presence of Poland here. Something I had no idea about but learned during my stay is that during the 1920's a huge Polish population was established in this area to meet the labour needs of the coal mines. 

The mines closed down in the 1960's but a large Polish community still remains here today.

Day 7 - Waking in Fields of GOLD!

Today I walked in fields and fields of .....GOLD! 

I don't actually know what this (grain?) is called but it grows vividly in the fields of northern France.

I also stopped in the little village of Amettes where I visited the the birth place of a great French Saint.

St. Benoit (Benedict) Joseph Labre, who spent his life as a pilgrim, visiting most of the major shrines in Europe. Every year thousands of people make their way as pilgrims to his birthplace in Amettes.