conques

kathleen and i are in conques. it is gorgeous. the whole town is a historical monument, dating from the 8th century. the church is the church of sainte foy, saint faith. it is romanesque apparently rebuilt in the 11 century. i just returned from the blessing of the pilgrims. kathleen and i are the only americans that we know of who are walking now. it feels like an honorable position: the other pilgrims are so helpful to us and watch out for us all the time. when i was to go up to the altar for my blessing tonight, a bunch of people were whispering - Mary, that's you; go.( now i can't find the exclamation point.) this is a big weekend in this region, they are moving the cows to the upper grasses so that calls for a celebration and it is the feast of the assumption so another reason to celebrate. this town is a tourist hot spot and because of the holidays it is full to the brim. Kathleen and i are staying in a beautiful huge abbey. we have to leave in the morning and many of our friends are staying to rest. we are sad to say goodbye. and we are worn out. it has been really hard walking these last three days. so humid and hot. and then there is the trail. it is rocky, slippery when wet(says the guide book) and STEEP. it is fun at first and then exausting. i have decided this way is very pretty, as was arles, and there aren't too many people. kathleen and i spend at least 4 hour a day walking separately. we have solitude. so all of that is good.
we are just tired. we need to walk 24 km tomorrow and then maybe we will find a hotel or someplace to spend a day with our feet up. we have gone 207 km so far.
here is what i have seen: poppies, cows of every color, some with really long horns, chickens of every shape and size, a crazy looking duck/turkey bird, buffalo, old old churches, hills with so may trees it looks like broccoli; a huge high pasture that didn't seem to end, endless sky above the pasture, snakes, wildflowers. I have heard birds; laughing people, cow bells, sheeps dogs barking far away, french, thunder; church bells. i feel so fortunate.
someone wants the computer now, so good night.
a happy tired pilgrim,
mary
i need to find someone to help me upload a photo or two. i think they are pretty: maybe this week.