The Way to Land's End

We are taking today to recover from jet leg before starting out on our hike tomorrow. This free day also gives us the opportunity to explore the charming starting point of the Camino Frances route, St Jean Pied de Port. 

We began by having breakfast at a small cafe. There we met two ladies from Ireland and a gentleman from Holland. The gentleman is completing the Camino to fulfill a promise he made to himself when undergoing treatment from leukemia. He swore that if he survived cancer that he would walk from his home all the way to Santiago. He conquered the cancer seven years ago and he is fulfilling his vow over several years. Last year he walked through France and this year he will walk through Spain. 

Laura and I then walked through town, taking in the many lovely views of the river, mountains, the citadel, charming storefronts, ancient walls and unique doors. 

We took a path from the citadel down to the river and encountered some very steep stairs. It gave us a little taste of the climb we will be undertaking tomorrow. Our knees were aching from the descent. 

We stopped by the town church to light a candle for our pilgrimage. A beautiful statute of Mary overlooked the candles lit by pilgrims from all around the world. 

For lunch, Laura and I indulged in crepes – one savory and another sweet. The savory crepe was filled with rice and covered in curry chicken and raisins. The sweet crepe was chocolate and raspberry. Decadent hot chocolate completed the meal. 

After lunch we checked into our new albergue (the one that was canceled the night before) and washed some laundry. 

In the evening, we joined with the other 18 pilgrims in our albergue for dinner. Many countries were represented – France, USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany and Korea. Introductions were made, wine drank and new friends made. Dinner included soup, salad, potato tortilla, tiramisu and tea. Our host grew up in Basque (the region of France and Spain we are in) and he speaks four languages (Basque, Spanish, French and English). We kept him busy translating between all of us. I was especially touched by the Korean family – a father and his young daughter (11) and son (13). He told us that his work keeps him so busy that he felt he was missing his kids grow up. So he took a 6 month leave of absence to travel with his children. They are hiking the Camino together and then visiting England and Italy. 

I think I am beginning to see the enchantment of the Camino. I thought it would be mostly about the hike. And I’m sure there will be an incredible sense of accomplishment when we meet our physical goals.  But right now I’m fascinated with the people. What an incredibly diverse and interesting group of fellow adventurers.