We are now in SJPP for a rest day. The last three days have been a long 9-10 hours with steep ascents and difficult declines. They have already become a blur in my short term memory. So I will try to summarize as best I can.
We have been continued to cross paths with the same threesome from France and the couple from England. All eight of us in the same hostel one night and another night we shared a charming farmhouse the the British couple. And we shared a dinner expertly prepared by Mika.
These three days included lots more mud, steep hills, and postcard vistas. A good deal of the walking, especially the descents, has been technical. Having to watch each footstep forces you stop periodically in order to take in the scenery and keep an eye on the trail markers.
I am so happy to be traveling with An & Mika. We have shared food, stories, and laughter even when we’ve fallen in the mud. The Camino seems to ask people to bare the lives and sometimes their souls with each other in ways they never would at home.
Foggy start
More mud. Today my turn to fall
Chased by geese and greeted by all kinds of wildlife.
Lunch with a view.
At the top after a 300 m uphill slog on muddy ruts interspersed with shale and rock outcroppings we are rewarded with a breathtaking view that made me giddy. It is impossible task to describe the beauty here in the Pyrenees among these picturesque farms
Almost there….
Arriving St Jean Pied de Port the start of the Camino de Santiago Francais 👣
Oh Bill I have sooooooo enjoyed your daily journal and feel so blessed to know someone like you who is sharing this hike in such personal and profound detail. Wow. Because of my hip, I would never be able to experience this hike otherwise. My prayers for you and your trail buddies is ongoing. Such bonding is priceless and so good for the soul. God Bless… Dee
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Thank you, Bill, for these updates. What a wonderful adventure. Have a blessed time!
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Spectacular and so inspirational!! Go Bro Go!!!
Love
Ricky Doo
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Stay safe, have fun! Thank you for sharing. I’ve walked twice and love your photos. Many blessings on your journey.
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Bill, I love reading your updates. I feel as if I’m there in the midst of the beautiful mountains and verdant countryside. Wow! Great to know that you’re on this journey for which you’ve prepared in body, mind and spirit to allow for the fullest enjoyment. Be safe and be well and I look forward to being able to share the experience through your wonderful photos and updates. Dieu te benisse!! (sorry, no accents)!
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Thank you
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Very happy for you. Reminds me of many fond memories of Europe. It’s been too long since I’ve been back there. I can almost feel the mist in the air from your photos ~ Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful journey with us. Please be careful. God bless!
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