Unforeseen, the slight slip that pulls off one of Nellie's boots and cuts her fetlock, though there is nothing to see at the time. It is only later in the afternoon, after a memorable walk across the Apilles, that she starts to show some discomfort.
Unforeseen, the good luck to find a campsite that welcomes horses and gives us the secluded patch at the back, overflowing with rich grass, where I am writing now.
Unforseeen, Nellie's ability to tie the tether rope in knots around all four legs at the same time. Paul and I spending half the night checking that she is not in a cat's cradle … again.
Unforeseen, Eveline's wonderful arrival night, with food and wine and a small fire to warm us just when the cold starts to set in (we had no food and it was a 1.5km walk to the village). How many pilgrims are fortunate enough to have friends prepared to share wine from their father's cellar, and a bottle of champagne?
Unforeseen, the frost on the inside of our tent and the inadequacy of our sleeping bags - Paul and I fighting over Flea's warmth. But today the sun is out, our washing, sleeping bags and tent are drying and Nellie's injury has been confirmed to be superficial by the vet - curable with a brief course of antibiotics and magic herbal cream that I will order in box loads on our return. So, far from feeling cursed by whoever is up there with the power to do so, we feel blessed. The unforeseen and enforced rest has restored us physically and mentally, in preparation for what is likely to be long wet walk tomorrow – rain forecast and we have to reach a centre equestre to stay in.
Accommodation – camping, rating: good/PR. Good facilities, horses accepted if tethered. Camping à la Ferme, Vieux Chemin D'Arles, 13120 ARLES 04 90 92 27 22 www.campingsaintremy.fr
No comments:
Post a Comment