Martigny to Orsieres 1/8/17

1/8/17 Tuesday
Day 5

Martigny- Orsieres 21 km

Sun, heat 30+ degrees

On leaving Martigny we take an easy walk through the forest to Sembrancher, with nuts and water our only sustenance.
We continue on after Bovernier on an empty stomach through forest again though it becomes more slippery. We persist until we find ourselves at a landslide unable to retreat, go forward or upward.
The only option is to plunge down to the river below and cross the water flowing swiftly across the rocks and boulders.
Feeling starved and scratched we go on along the road until reaching Sembrancher: an idyllic town still closed after the August 1 celebrations.
It seems we then miss a turn as we find ourselves on a high route to La Garde which proves to be really tough climbing in the heat. Again, the town is a quiet and unassuming holiday retreat with no chance of food or fluids.
Onwards along wooded paths with many climbs. Rain falls as we enter Orsieres on empty stomachs.
We're able to find good parish accommodation where we are the only guests.
Thus begins the hunt for food.
I am thinking of digging up a few potatoes stolen from a garden.
Mon Dieu, we happen upon a restaurant- open, by the railway station. Our ravenous appetites are sated with Fondent, platters, good music and free WiFi.
Back at the parish we unfurl our sleeping bags on mattresses on the floor.
From our beds we can see the church tower through the window, flooded with bright lightning as thunder crashes and echoes around the stone walls outside.

CHF 15 Lunch
         15 Parish accommodation Orsieres
         40 Wine and platters






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