Friday: A castle, a backpack, and me

Friday:
I got to Cacase (sp this right light) at the french border at 8:00. I made the 5:50 train because one of my roomates was kind enough to start snoring at the usual 4am time.
There were lockers in Carcase, but they were all out of commission (with signs all over the place, due to saftey plan. no lockers) and I didn't have time to search out a locker in town, so they came with me. I could store them in Carcassone when I saw the castle.
After the 2 hr train north I got to Carcassone. No lockers at the station either. Snuck into McDonalds to use the restroom. I Love McDonalds. I bet many a backpacker has uttered that very phrase before. Especially in france.

Walked to the tourist office. Surely they'd have luggage storage. No. And there was no luggage storage lockers or places anywhere due to the threat of bombs. So my backpack and three bags would be walking to and seeing the castle as well. So we did, but first a small rant.

Taking lockers away is not going to alleviate a bomb threat. "Oh shoot. This town has no luggage storage. We couldn't possibly use a trash can, a toilet, a hole, a bush, under a seat or bus. Nope. Lets go to spain. They have luggage storage."

I trudged to the castle and made up a story to lift my spirts- I was Learai, a scarf peddler, going to the great castle of Carcassone. *I can't fathom the people who hike with their enourmous bag through mountains for months. * I love hiking. but free and fancy hiking. scramble around and roll down a hill hiking. No 20 pounds or more on my back. THe bags probably made it a little worse.

The castle and cite was really cool. My backpack and bags agreed.

Took train back to cacais. was able to sleep pretty well.

Got to nice, booked seat to genova. then grab train to place by la spezia. love me.