Dordogne Walk 2010

So now we are back together again and we left on the TGV heading from France and into Germany on Sunday 30 May as planned. Time has not stood still of course but the world of Australian politics, global finances and even Australian news seems a long way off. And perhaps these things should stay out of view. When walking in the centre of France with 9 other Australian blokes (well there was the obligatory pommie and also a kiwi), issues reduce to the navigation issues of the day, what might be on the menu for dinner that evening, who gets to share with a snorer and whether the red wine should be from Bordeaux or Cahors. What problems to have!

The weather whilst walking was outstanding, over 30 degrees on each of the early days, and fine weather almost all of the way. Only one morning when we loping along with rain jackets on.

Group dynamics were interesting for this old management consultant. The team has at least 6 strong shapers, a plant, another who adopted team role according to situation and, thank goodness, at least one completer-finisher. Not a shrinking violet to be found anywhere. Perhaps very difficult to find a better walking team anywhere.

Every French country house has at least one dog so it was perhaps inevitable that one of us would be bitten. Add to this the odd blister or two and we were discovering how well the French medical system works. It is a fine system, the envy of many countries I believe.

Fois gras, maigret de canard, Cahors wine, confit de canard, salad quercyoise, omelettes de cepes, Rocamadour cheese, ris de veau, fromage blanc, saucisson de porc, chardonay, sauternes, rhone wines, local beers and perrier menthe fresheners were also enjoyed over the period of this great walk.

In the end, Randall had spent 10 days in heaven. He sat on THAT SEAT in Loubressac where the world issues just disappear. It was perfect to just sit there after a great dinner at the “Lou Pastou” inn, not long after sunset, just watching over Castelnau Chateau, Chateau Montal, St Cere and the villages around. At least two others on the group were happy to share the experience and it was clearly a major highlight of the walk.