Soon the three of us had a fourth: a dog who looked like a lab mix. This golden dog started to follow us.
He looked in good shape, like someone was taking care of him. We were certain that he would soon turn round, but he didn't. We did everything we could to shoo him away, but still he followed. He had so much energy, bounding hills, crossing streams, and running all around.
The German couple was certain that the dog would turn around. I knew that we had a friend for life.
The day was fairly uneventful. The last few days we have been running into more and more other pilgrims on the route. Dare I say that hiking season in France has begun.
We arrived in Montréal-du-Gers to buy provisions for lunch and to eat. The dog faithfully followed us. It became a problem in the city, as cars barely missed hitting him. People yelled at us, as if he were our dog.
After lunch, it was a long walk to Éauze. The dog continued to follow, until he became more interested in a female. But all told, he followed us a full 15 miles. I doubt if he was able to find his way home, poor guy.
The last ten days or so we have heard jet fighter planes in the skies. When we hear them, we assume they're heading for Libya, probably only 60-90 minutes from where we were (considering their speed). Someone said they had spotted British fighter planes earlier. I don't know, but hopefully peace is coming to that country.
The final stretch of the day's hike was walking over firmer railroad tracks. The tracks have been removed because there wasn't enough traffic to warrant train service. This is the gold standard for hiking. The ground is dirt, without rocks, and since trains don't like going up hills, it is flat as a pancake. It is a delight hiking on former railroad right-of-ways.
It was eery, though, passing by former train stations which are now empty buildings. I thought of all the activity that they once had. No more.
We finally made it to Éauze. I was really dragging, and barely had the energy to get to the hostel, get cleaned up and go to bed.
