A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Sunday 30 October 2011

Cows And Crosses

Here's another impressive outcrop of extruded igneous basalt - rock formed by rapidly cooling volcanic lava. You can see why certain configurations of this rock have been likened to organ pipes...


I entered the church at Saint-Germain-Laprade. It's one of the oldest in the region, some of the interior stonework dating from the 10th century...


This is one of my favourite photos, featuring two of the consistent themes of the Chemin: cows and crosses...


It was the last day of my journey. I was in no hurry, for I didn't...


... want it...


... to end...


I caught up with Michel and Brigitte, two pilgrim friends, at a bar in Brives-Charensac...


... then crossed the river...


... and followed the riverside path for the remaining few kilometres to Le Puy...

9 comments:

Ruth said...

I feel something clutching at my heart, because neither do I want this to end. :(

At least we have these altar-posts of the journey to come back to, like cows come back to cross markers for something of comfort.

The Solitary Walker said...

I really don't want it to end either, Ruth. For the second time! Oh well, every end is a new beginning.

Timecheck said...

I've been enjoying your trip, but forgot to count the days. Is this a three week walk (at say 20 km per day)?

The Solitary Walker said...

15 days @ 24 km a day, Ralph!

George said...

I'm with Ruth on this one. It's nice to have these "alter-posts of the journey to come back to . . ." As for things coming to an end, I'm inclined to think that journeys like this never end; we simply pause for a little rest, reflection, and gratitude before putting the memories in the backpack and heading off in search of the next waymark.

The Solitary Walker said...

Yes, George - the Way continues ever onwards.

Kiwi Nomad said...

That church is remarkable with the stone work and the arches. It's odd knowing you are reaching the end, knowing that the 'end' was my beginning three years ago.

The Solitary Walker said...

It's an amazing building, Kiwi. I love it. The interior and exterior equally.

The Solitary Walker said...

Whoops, wires crossed here, Kiwi - thought you were talking about Le Puy cathedral. That church is nice, though, too.