From the Grande Planche to Archers Poitier village 27, 285 steps, 12 km
May 17, Saturday from Archers to Chateaumeillant
20,670 steps, about 7 miles
Hotel La Goutte Noir
A day of surprises Saturday May 17
From Archers to Châteaumeillant
This morning (Saturday) We said goodbye to Jacques at our charming roulette and headed out through the village of potters.
Then there was a road that went ever on up a long hill and down a steeper short one. It was one of those times when I wonder, “Why am I doing this?” Hu
Then we climbed again to a cluster of houses and there before a perfect Romanesque church was a little free library and two picnic tables. The side church door was open and the early 12th century church delighted me.
After more ups and down on roads we arrived in Chateaumeillant, to find an open boulangerie and a small grocery that had ice cream bars and cold beer! Across the street was a little park with two picnic tables.
We hadn’t been there long when along came Thomas Marx from Germany traveling with his dog and a cart he pulled behind him. We’d met him on our second night at l’Esprit du Chemin.
Our hotel is lovely, and we’ve enjoyed having a semi rest day here. Then, the little bar down the street served Mexican food prepared in the street by a couple from Marseille. Her family was originally from Mexico and she spoke Spanish and English as well as French.
We have a longer day walking to La Châtre tomorrow and we hope for less road-walking. We have a room reserved at a church-run pilgrimage refuge, and we hope that the Italian pizza restaurant that says it is open 7/7 really is.
Caminobleu 