Day 57 Bruay-la-Buissière to Aubigny-en-Artois
As we were tucking into our croissants etc this morning I was a little disappointed to see a Frenchman at the next table receive a plate of bacon and eggs. Had I known that this option was available to me I would have requested it for myself.
We managed to get away quite early this morning in order to get a good start on what could have been a longish day. The wheel and map suggested that we needed to walk about 15 miles today so we didn’t want to waste any time loitering without any intent.
As we were walking out of Bruay we were stopped by a French woman who asked us why we were walking through Bruay. She had done the pilgrimage to Santiago and so was interested in why we were doing our trip and seemed surprised that Bruay might be involved. She offered us tea etc and it really was a great pity that we had just met this morning as her local walking knowledge was obviously vast.
On the outskirts of the town were the slag heaps. They are quite imposing and we could see that they were being developed, one having a new vineyard starting to grow on its slopes, others having trees etc growing thickly on their slopes.
The weather was cooler today and much more pleasant for walking so we were able to keep up a fairly brisk pace for most of the day. The countryside here is much more interesting than it appears from the seat of a car travelling south at high speed and we have enjoyed today very much indeed.
Passing through a small wood we could hear the unmistakable sounds of a school field trip. A green open area revealed groups of scholars obviously being prepared to complete some woodland activities and having a great time. It was here that we spotted some strange objects made of metal and having chains hanging down from a top ring. Could they be plant pots?
As we were drawing near to Aubigny we spotted a track which would take us there in a fairly straight line and which avoided road completely. We set off down the track and were very pleased to discover that someone had spent quite a lot of time and effort in making the surface hard and dry. Brick ends, bits of old ceramic tiles and other hard debris had been layed down making the path a pleasure on which to walk.
About 50 yards along the path it went into a field and stopped at a fence. No problem for us because we could see that this was not really the path. The real path went into a narrow cutting overgrown with trees, bushes and nettles.
Undaunted by this trifling difficulty placed in our way by a cruel nature we put on our wet weather gear in order to ward off nettle stings and flying insects and plunged headlong into the green unknown.
After some 20 yards the vegetation lessened in its intensity and the way became much easier for us to follow. It was all the more disappointing then to find the path blocked by a fence and a large pool of water and sludge. Ah well! Nothing to do but look at the map and go back. This slight set back probably only added an extra half a mile or so to the stroll so it was an irritant rather than a disaster.
Before leaving Shropshire we remembered that one of our neighbours, John Hart, had ordered an unusual French local dish which was a sausage containing intestines. Being fairly sure that we would not enjoy this any more than he had done we asked Sheila Clarke, our French expert, what this potent dish would be called on a menu. Tonight at supper one of the items was l’andouillette, phew, thank goodness we asked and remembered.
Enjoying the daily updates and if I am not very much mistaken the strange metal object is Infact a game called ‘ disc golf’ played with frisby-like objects, although I know not the rules. There are similar objects in the park across from our house. So glad you’re enjoying x
i would never have thought of anything like that. the blighters were dotted about all over the place. They were even under some trees.
If you do ever find yourself with a meal like that just do what mum did in France once- tip the lot into your handbag and take it home! All was fine until the local dogs started sniffing around her!
Great wheeze! I’ll bung a plastic bag in my pocket in case of emergencies.
Mum tried that once with school stew once, she ended up stuffing it down a rabbit hole
Phew! Glad to be of service. x
Have you ever eaten any Sheila?
Oh how disappointing – I would love to have tried l’andouillette, and would have loved to know what you thought of it! Really really enjoying your blog – it brightens up my evenings each day as I eagerly anticipate your day’s events and incidents. Keep on Strollin’!
Thanks Chris, I’ll try to get some sent to the staff restaurant as a special treat for everyone.
I had l’andouillette recently at Vince’s sister’s barbeque, I have to say it was one of the few things I had to leave after just a mouthful. Very strange, especially as it looked amazing being cooked, but was very potent to taste. You are now deep in la nord!
Get that l’andouillette down you Mike, it’ll do you good!! What was the real Stella like Mike? All the best on your anniversary.
Page 24 Réserve Hildegarde that is the stuff. A localish brew and very tasty.