Time for us to split from Norman and the standard GR65 path and take the GR651 Cele Valley variant. We say goodbye and head north following the Cele River while Norman and the GR65 head west.
It’s a great choice for us, a real change in scenery as we dip into a steep sided valley and easily follow the river for the day.
Lots of off road tracks again which we’ve missed as we have done a lot of road walking recently. It’s an easy walk in to Corn and then on to Espangac where we have a break for lunch. At this point we’re more than ready to get out of the sun and spirits are high as we spot a vending machine. Orangina has become a go to fuel for 4/5ths of us. We scrape together just enough coins to share a couple of bottles (managing money and keeping track of days without ATM’s is one of the challenges on this route). On closer inspection the machine is broken and it won’t accept our money. But spits out a free bottle. Hallelujah. Slightly delirious the kids (and possibly Alissa) start yelling ‘It’s a Camino miracle’. A few locals pop their heads out to see what the fuss is about. Barefoot noisy kiwi kids having a picnic was possibly not what they were expecting.
A guy called Fred joins us for lunch. From the Netherlands, Fred recently retired. He finished up work on the Friday and on the Monday he headed out his front door to begin his Camino. He’s already been walking for 10 weeks. With about the same left to reach Santiago. Next level. He politely enquires where we’re from. I know those kids aren’t European, they’re too ‘free’ he says. That’s one word for them.
Anyway we’re all keen to head on. If not camping Espangac would be a great place to stop, the gite here is huge and ancient. It’s tempting from Espagnac to quickly follow the river to Brengues as Fred suggests instead of taking the GR65 up to the tops of the hills before descending to town. But we decide to be brave since the day has felt straightforward and head up and over. Good decision. The views are spectacular over the valley and down to Espagnac.
Zipping down the hill to the campground is swift and steep. Super positive day.
Next | Camino day 20 – Brengues to Marcilhac sur Cele – Cele Valley
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