<p class="ql-block">May 11, 2025, overcast/rain/sunny, 11-18°C
Day 24, Eauze to Nogaro, 21 km, +250m/-300m elevation change</p><p class="ql-block">The forecast predicted a 30% chance of rain from 8-9 AM, so I set out at 8:50 AM, thinking I’d dodged the rain. But at 10:40, around the 7.8-kilometer mark, a loud thunderclap roared overhead. I hurriedly put on my raincoat as a downpour began, accompanied by small hailstones. My shoes and socks were soaked through in no time. The downpour eased into moderate rain, and by 11:30, I reached the town of Manciet at the 11-kilometer mark. The café there was packed with walkers. I had a cappuccino, ate some of my packed food, and continued on. By 1:00 PM, the rain finally stopped. The path had turned into a muddy ditch, and the ground was slippery. As I walked, a small stream blocked the way. I looked left and right, unsure what to do, and waited for other pilgrims to see how they’d handle it. Soon, a few road companions arrived, tested the depth with their walking sticks, and waded through. I followed suit—my shoes were already completely wet anyway. After crossing the stream, the path went up and down slippery, muddy slopes. I found myself missing yesterday’s smooth park paths. Just 100 meters from reaching a better road, I slipped and fell, covering myself in mud. Finally, at 2:30 PM, I arrived in Nogaro. This was the first time in 24 days that I encountered heavy rain on the road. The previous times were very lucky; whenever rain was forecasted, it only came in the afternoon around 4 or 5 PM or at night.</p> <p class="ql-block">It was raining over the distance.</p> <p class="ql-block">Before the rain.</p> <p class="ql-block">Neatly arranged grapevines.</p> <p class="ql-block">Pastoral scenery.</p> <p class="ql-block">At 11:30am, I arrived a town called Manciet.</p> <p class="ql-block">Notre-Dame Church. I didn’t go inside. The guidebook mentions a bullring in the town, which I had planned to visit, but the rain made me forget about it.</p> <p class="ql-block">A half-timbered building. The visible wooden beam framework on the facade, combined with spaces filled with plaster or bricks, is a typical feature of half-timbered architecture.</p> <p class="ql-block">The path after rain became muddy.</p> <p class="ql-block">After the downpour, a small ditch turned into a stream. Two pilgrims helped each other cross the stream.</p> <p class="ql-block">The rain-soaked field breathes a fresh, earthy scent.</p> <p class="ql-block">Puddles on the path.</p> <p class="ql-block">Spotted Nogaro. The small town has a population of 2,010.</p> <p class="ql-block">The road leading to Nagoro.</p> <p class="ql-block">Collegiale Saint-Nicolas, 12 Century.</p> <p class="ql-block">Inside the church.</p> <p class="ql-block">Communal Luis Navarro. Today’s guesthouse is run by the local government and has complete facilities. This room has about a dozen beds, and five people are staying here tonight. The guesthouse also has several other rooms, likely for 2–4 people each.
I washed my clothes and shoes at the guesthouse. Most Gites provide drying racks and old newspapers. Quick-dry clothes are usually dry by the next morning. Stuffing newspapers into shoes to absorb water helps them dry quickly.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Gite has a kitchen and a large dining area, but it doesn’t provide dinner. I prepared dinner at the kitchen.</p>