Pamplona

Today was a rest day so we did not do too much except, ironically, walking around to see some sights. The great weather is holding for us. We had some lovely paella for dinner at an outside table on the castle square. Lots of people milling about. We've organized our stuff and are ready to head off again tomorrow!

Pics of our first three days

Zibiri and Pamplona

We are in Pamplona right now after walking along paths that go along fields rivers and through woods and villages. Very charming. The paths are not crowded with pilgrims although we do seem to pass the   same people regularly. Spring flowers are in bloom. Weather is perfect. Paths are dry. We get up at 7, have breakfast at 7:30 and are walking by 8. Usually done by around 3. The last stretch seems to take long and we start hurting somewhere! 

We are offered so much crusty white bread and this is becoming a problem. Read between the lines! We have been eating pilgrim menus for dinner. Around 10 Euros for a three course meal plus wine. Sometimes good and sometimes not! :)

Still having trouble with pics. But will keep trying. Check out Bert and Diane's blog. He posts pics. Google Elcaminosloffies (don't need the capital e)

Rest day today and hope to explore Pamplona.

Over the Pyrenees, atlast! May 5

The day I was dreading is behind us now and we survived. More than that, we did the 25 K in about 8 hours, including stops. The weather and the scenery were stunning. But it was a slog. 1200 meters up hill. We did kind of a slow, steady walk and used our poles. And then a steep descent at the end of the day into Roncevalles. We were told not to take the shortcut through the woods so we dutifully followed the small paved road that snaked its way to the bottom. Joyce and Arlene took the shortcut and said we could easily have done it. 

St. Jean Pied de Port was shrouded in fog when we began but very soon we climbed into brilliant sunshine and left the fog behind for good. We were like race horses at the gate and could not wait to get going. All that  excitement and energy got us easily up any hill ahead of us.  We got above the tree line to face a stiff wind. My new Tilly hat blew off my head and rolled into a steep valley. I suggested we would just leave it but Jeff turned into a Billy goat and speedily ran down to retrieve it. All around us were these steep valleys and in the distance snow capped mountains. Here and there we saw a bit of snow still lying around. 

In the middle ages convicted felons could choose between a jail sentence or walking a pilgimage. There were moments when the jail cell seemed attractive!

We are having trouble posting pics so will try to fix this in Pamplona in a few days. 

Soon we are going to enjoy a pilgrim meal, which is a three course plus wine specially priced meal for perigrinos. Usually 10 Euros. Yes, we are in Spain now. 

Thank you all for your prayers and thinking about us. The first day is the hardest so now we're good, we hope. 

Oh yes, we did see a few Griffin vultures circling around in the distance. But not near enough to pounce on me if I fell!

I also got a terrific sunburn on the left side of my face and arm. Others, too. We were fooled by the cool wind and did not bother with sunscreen. Lesson learned!

St. Jean Pied de Port

Arrived in the lovely town of St. Jean Pied de Port. Arlene and Joyce met us in Biarritz this morning and travelled with us to where we are now. Around 4:30 PM Bert and Diane finally showed up after a long arduous journey due to flight delays in Vancouver. But we are now all here, safe and sound.

We already have our pilgrim passports plus a shelll for our back packs. 

The sky is completely blue right now and we have the go ahead to climb the pass on Monday. Snow is gone and it won't be foggy. 

We are in a small, spartan hotel and I am sipping a rather weak but local white wine. However, the people are very hospitable. 

Tomorrow we will do some more exploring and take some pics to post. Having a fabulous time!!

Biarritz Two

Woke up to grey skies, wind and rain. No matter because it will all be gone by the weekend. After wandering up and down the steep little streets again we stumbled upon a gorgeous indoor market. It makes you wish you lived here. All those lovely vegetables never seem to make it to restaurant meals. Had a mushroom soup for lunch when we were expecting lentil soup. Our highschool French is not helping. 

Biarritz

We have arrived in the lovely town of Biarritz, France. It is a very romantic town with lovely architecture and surfing beaches. Great icecream, too. Many steps up from Stansted! We can see the waves rolling in from our room. Right now it is threatening to rain but the weather is supposed to improve. Enjoyed exploring the town this afternoon. More of that tomorrow.