Show time!

I finally made it to France and the beginning of my journey.  My hotel was full of pilgrims as Covid seems to be over and done with here.  Tomorrow morning, I start walking. 

The bus from Pamplona was 100% full of pilgrims heading to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.  The line for the Pilgrim Office stretched down the street.  Inside we were given instructions and our Camino Credentials.  I even purchased the official shell, so now I am a real pilgrim.


The bus ride took one hour and forty minutes.  It crosses the mountains with lots of switchbacks.  About halfway in the bus ride I realized that tomorrow I need to start walking back to Pamplona.  Then after that, I have a bit more to go to the end of the planned route.  Who came up with this idea?  I must say that all the motorcycles I see are calling to me.  

 I met a few new Camino friends that hopefully I will see again.  Tony from Australia is on his third Camino, after blowing out his knee last time.  Now, with a new knee, he is out to finish again.


Folks come from all over the world to walk the Camino.  So far, I have met Australians, French, Japanese, Germans, British, Irish, Chinese and Koreans.  One woman from Korea even had her credentials from her home in Korean.  


Tonight will be spent in a room with 10 bunk beds.  Hopefully my ear plugs will work.  The WC is shared for the entire floor, so that might be interesting.  Again, I am here for the experience.  Tomorrow starts early and the walk is rumored to be challenging.  Let’s see what I signed up for…


9,541 steps today

4.79 miles 

Location is 43.16163, -1.237622

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