It's all about comfy chairs and reading matter!

Day 25 Friday 21st May
Sarrancolin to Arreau 5 miles
It's been a good day. An almost cloudless sky, good walking and a
delightful destination. Arreau itself is lively and attractive and the
Hotel d'Angleterre is excellent. I'm spoiling myself a bit after last
night as I have a couple of tough days coming up after tomorrow -
unless the remaining snow stops me again, that is. I didn't meet a
soul on the walk but it didn't seem to matter. And the people watching
has been entertaining this evening.
I've realised today that there's no one thing that contributes to a
feeling of well-being; it's a mix. Good company can reduce the
importance of other comforts; physical comfort can reduce the need for
human company; and mental stimulation can distract the mind from the
day to day negative trivia such as aches and pains. More challenging
walking takes the mind off the blisters and the aching feet and knees.
Even so, if you asked me what I'm missing most on this trip I'd
confidently say that, apart from people (specific and in general) it's
comfy chairs and physical reading matter. I have hours of audiobooks
to keep me entertained, but it's just not the same.