Tuesday 19th April - Lots of Ups and Downs

Today was a good pleasant walking day, warm at first, cooler later.. Always dry (most important!). 

I looked out of the hotel room window at the first challenge of the day the climb up to Notre Dame cathedral where my guide started.. 

However, as we'd climbed it last night... we took the funicular up this morning... Phew... and started at the top!! 

First job, sandwiches for later, and some breakfast goodies!!

Then we were off; passing the great Abbey on the top of the hill, and down an old cobbled street, and soon into back areas and fields and quickly out of Laon.. 
Several hours later, on the top of another hill we looked back to see... Laon on the hilltops shine, amazed how quickly we'd left the city, and also from his far away we could still see it!! 

An 'undulating' route was described.. Firstly through, a quagmire of a forest: pleasant walking, when I wasn't sinking in the mud!!

Then up and down the quiet roads, taking lunch on benches outside convenient Marie's offices!! 
Still the war reminders were there, although becoming less frequent !

As the warm afternoon wore on, it was interesting to see some old fashioned 'recycling' having taken place with old tank tracks?? Forming an animal pen!! 

By late afternoon we made our destination - Corbenny, a reasonable Logis Hotel, and a first 'Pilgrim menu'.. Including 6 snails in garlic .. Beautiful!! 

Another day done, and once again Great thanks to my son in law Wayne... Who should be resting after a full time job, and looking after my 3 little Grandchildren... And then updates my blogs!!