This has actually been a restful day. We started out early for the Bilbao bus station where we met our first Camino compatriot - Steve from California. We took the bus to Bayonne France, where we caught the train to St. Jean Pied de Port.
Since we were in Bayonne so much earlier than we expected, we decided not to stay over as planned and to just press on to St Jean, the beginning of the Camino walk.
This change of plans provided time for a filling lunch from what appeared to be a local favorite cafe, and a sit-down by the river. We had an almost four hour wait for the train.
I feel llike the Camino walk has almost begun - we don't know where we will sleep tonight and are hanging out by the river with other perhaps homeless people. It is so nice to bask in the sun and cool breeze, listen to old church bells and watch the cloud formations. It has been a long time since I allowed myself this luxury.
We boarded the little train to St Jean Pied de Port and met other pilgrims from the Netherlands, New Zealand and Germany. The ride followed the river through farms, woods and mountains.
We went right to the pilgrim office for our Camino passports and met more people from Australia, Mexico and South Africa. Everyone is very friendly and there is a general air of excitement.
M yalmost virgin Camino passport!
I have trepidation about the first day which includes climb to 1400 meters (4600 ft) at what looks like a 60 degree slope. The only experience I have with a climb like this is Tuckerman's ravine in the White Mountains and it was a humdinger and way shorter! It is the steepest leg of the Camino based on the elevation maps we received today from the pilgrim office. What a way to humble pilgrims at the outset!
Even though we are here early, tomorrow will be a rest day to prepare for the first leg. We are going to break the first day's walk into two days and have a reservation at a hostel about half way up the mountain for Thursday night.
After a nice dinner and a rest by the pool of our hotel to watch the sunset, it's off to do laundry and bed.
Cloud formations are the best, aren't they?? I'm so excited for you and your present-ness right where you are right now. Have a great rest up!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how this first challenging part goes. I know you'll get a lot out of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic journey already. You’ve transported us to each location with your stories and photos. It is wonderful to see how quickly you’re acclimating to your surroundings and establishing a pace for your days and nights. This sounds like the perfect calm day before your Camino walk begins. Your Camino passport is impressive. Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful and exciting! It can be both terrifying and freeing to find oneself far from home, having many hours with nothing to do but look at clouds. At first there's a lingering feeling of, "Shouldn't I be DOING something?" But then you realize that you already are :-)
ReplyDeletecan feel the excitement and anticipation... just sent a card to Elise from last moon circle
ReplyDelete"I love being me" keep enjoying your you-ness and your breath
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the memories, you bring them back, thank you.
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