We headed out before sunrise this morning having never met the proprietors of the hotel we were staying at in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. We made those arrangements back in Rochester and we planned to see how far we got before booking a room for tonight. We made it to Ronceveles, an eight and half hour walk over the Pyrenees and we’re settled down in an old monastery that has been artfully converted to a hotel.
We were sitting on a bus going in the opposite direction on this same route yesterday. It was a series of hair-pin turns. The driver gave us a talk before departure, first in Spanish and then in English. English that he apologized for but he was great. He told us the bus would stop and start a lot and there would be some bumps so if we felt sick he said we should use a plastic bag and he demonstrated with one. Then he gestured toward the door to his left and said. “I stop the bus. You go out. Throw up.”
It wasn’t so bad. Today the route was mostly off road along streams, up the side of mountains and though valleys on enchanted pathways. The woods were gorgeous, water seeping out of the ground, trees covered in moss and lychin. Wildflowers, cherry tree blossoms, pastures with long horned sheep and breathtaking views.
In one day we met two people who are doing the Camino for a second time. We’ve just gotten started and I too would like to do it again.
4 Comments
Thank you for sharing your experience of one of my great fantasies. Keep it coming and stay healthy.
Martin, you should make your fantasy happen.
It already sounds wonderful!! Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure! Look forward to more! xoxo
Ah , yeah , Martin . Do it while you can . I have proof ! Wait just one day too long and you spend the rest of your adventures from your couch !