Thursday 21st April - Downhill Day!

I was up to a very still presence within the convent,

and whilst having breakfast a monk came in, who was from a monastery further South, he'd been helping in something, however after chatting he invited me to the sung morning prayer service (even in my shorts!), and explained which chants were where in the differing books and leaflets, wonderful; it helped me take a much better part in the service! 

Then bag packed, farewells to the sisters, and I was off on a gentle downhill walk into Reims below !!

I could see Reims in the shady distance !!

Again along quiet back roads, ever nearer to the great city, and on another hot sunny day.

 











Down through the outskirts, eventually onto the banks of the Canal again, and the remaking few kms seemed to take forever before I'd left the canal, and entered the city proper. 

I was peckish and so stopped at a Boulangerie - Zunic, where the proprietress asked where I was headed and gave me an extra gift of sweets/candy -- very nice, thank you!

 









As it was, I was near my hotel, so dumped my rucksack and poles there, before heading over to the Cathedral, where I was able to see all the magnificent stained glass windows ..

 











I got a stamp for my pilgrim credential from the welcome desk in the cathedral, headed back to the Hotel... And straight out to Decathlon for extra supplies... Before a relaxing evening and some bubbly!! 
(to celebrate the Birthday of... HM the Queen!!)