Friday 6th May - The Pilgrims Compass

I was awake early: 

watching the sunrise from my lofty perch, as I knew I had a long way to go today... that was without any mistakes (of which there were a few!!) 

I was treated like a king at breakfast, nothing too much trouble from the management (who treated a touring Japanese/Chinese group much less nicely!) I was filled with bread jam yoghurt, even chilled apple sauce!! 
I got some food for later from the Boulangerie below, and off I set, ready for the day! 

The route soon had me leaving Dampierre, through a series of outskirts of small villages, over the River Saone,

around an unusually named village of Quitter... and on into the plunging depths of fields and forests... none of which had any names or easily discernible features!! But the birds were singing, as was I - a happy little Pilgrim!! 

That's where the Pilgrims compass comes from... 
Morning sun on left cheek 
Midday sun on nose 
Afternoon sun on right cheek 
... All the time keeping me going in a vaguely Southern direction of... Rome!! 

And so, after several hours of tracks and roads through a forest, I 're-found' myself in Sauvigny les Gray, and a nice shady Lavoir for lunch

it's a pity it wasn't filled, I could have happily plunged my feet in some cool water, it being a really hot day!! 

Off I went with a renewed skip in my step, as I thought I only had about 8 kms left to do... Wrong!! Passing the local Chateau

I Again I had to get through a forest, with no real signs, just following directions South east... I emerged on the other side.... Many kms away from my destination for the day - Gy!! 

There was only one thing for it... March along the busy main road to get there... 6 kms away!! 
I did try one diversion off the main road, but gave up after losing track again... 

I got into Gy around 5 pm, found the Gite I was looking for (thankfully they had room) and was warmly greeted by the owners and had a nice cooling shower... And rest !!

 












They've provided food for tonight, and breakfast for a great price of €28, with another 5 for a bottle of wine - bargain!! 

I'm just waiting for another pilgrim to turn up, before we cook dinner, eat and... Sleep!! 

A long 29 kms today... And almost as much tomorrow to get into Besancon... For a day off!!