The GR10 is known for its unforgiving and monotonous, ascents up to passes and descents into valleys; but as I’ve said, one benefit is to see the villages in the valleys. I found the old buildings fascinating. The roofs were usually covered with slate rock tiles which had been cut in squares. The house walls were of stone, sometimes 2’ thick. They were built to last.

I didn’t always eat amazing food, but I did get a few very good French meals. I yearned to eat what I like: fresh vegetables. It wasn’t often offered. But I scored a great meal in Cauterets.

Old doors fascinated me also.

Each village had the obligatory and appreciated spring fed fountain.

One thing I liked the most about France was how people come out of their houses and intermingled in the evenings. Once it’s cooled off a little, they eat outside, take strolls, sit on park benches and talk. What if we put our phones away, turned off the tv and sat on our front porch, or strolled around our neighborhoods, or sat on a bench in the local park?

I had planned on hiking all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, but half way became a good time to stop for many reason. The last morning provided some of the most quiet and beautiful scenes.

It seemed abrupt to just fly right back to the States, so I decided to check out Lyon. I had heard that it was the gastronomic capital of France and a city worth visiting. A very late train cut my time there short, but I got a fair amount of sightseeing in.

And thank you France. I hope I know some French the next time I visit.