After a midmorning stop by the little church of Lamothe we were thenceforth effectively on the former railway track all the way to Eauze (pronounced "é - ós") and perhaps beyond. This was shady and flat but dull as there was little to see other than our green tunnel. We dropped off the path by a former railway bridge to have lunch in a nearby field. Roquefort cheese, and a little doze.
Passing a large factory complex we arrived at the small
shabby town of Eauze by 2.30. After visiting the tourist office for creanciale stamping we had a beer - "just the one" - at the Bar Commerciale where the host was even more cheering than the Italian opera arias he was playing at full blast. we duly found the Hotel Triana and installed ourselves. After a shower we had a late afternoon stroll to see the sites. The cathedral which seemed to be built from rubble and old bricks was a sad sight and indeed may well be falling down as arches and pillars inside were encased in protective support. So we retreated back to the Bar Commerciale to try a white (or pink) Armagnac "floc" as an aperitif. The cheerful host made us smile as he examined and exclaimed over Liz's blisters and we signed his book of comments. Many had enjoyed his welcome.Supper at the hotel was simple - vegetable soup and bull steaks - posters on the walls showed that we are getting into bull-fighting country and that Eauze is proud of its new bull ring (and rugby team). Tomorrow's forecast says 'thunderstorms'.
