UPDATED Day 3: Roncesvellas to Zubri

I was just a little sore this morning. It wasn't raining when I started, but it ended up raining about an hour into the hike. At least when I ended up in Zubri, it was sunny and warm. As a general rule, it has been cold in the morning and evening. Therefore, I have made mental notes to bring a jacket and some gloves for next time.

Before leaving Roncesvellas, I got some coffee and an apple for breakfast. About 15 minutes down the road, I spotted a shop to get some food supplies. I was able to get some yogurt and fruit for the long journey. The yorgurt I shared with some fellow pilgrims. Then it was picture time to mark how far it was to Santiago. I don´t know what was up with the other stone sign from yesterday....

I found this on the trail, and thought it was interesting.

The view has been amazing. Lots of farming lands and many mountains to view. The beauty of the land is amazing. I tried to take pictures of the wonderful that I had along the way.

There were several towns that I passed. They looked just like those towns in the movies. I was able to get some snap shots of some of the local churches.

The flowers are just starting to come into blume. They are so pretty. Luckily, they are not bothering my allergies. Maybe due to all the Spanish honey that I have eaten.

These blue and yellow signs are life savers! Just when I think that I maybe going in the wrong direction, I see one of these bad boys!

Sometimes, I find random animals just wondering around.

I was so happy when I finally arrived! My feet were thanking me for stopping. There a couple of places that blisters are trying to appear. Once I got to my hostel and took a shower, I put some mole skin and tape on them. My poor toes are feeling a little better. Now I can´t speak for my muscles--they are ssssoooo sore.

The first hostel that I stopped at was full, so I had to go to the next one.

 The next one was cheap and had a kitchen! I met a Polish mother and daughter, and the daughter cooked for us. I was said that the food choices were limited due to the store had a SMALL selection. We had vegetable and chicken rice.

While I was at the store, I picked up some fruit and nuts for breakfast in the morning. Then it was off to the cafe for some coffee and a chat with some newly made friends.

Day 2: Orisson to Roncevaux (Roncesvalles)

May 28th

The whole day was cold and rainy.

I was worried about breakfast at Orisson, because they only put out bread. However they gave me a boiled egg. They also wrapped ham and cheese for me instead of a sandwich.

At 7:30 I was on my way to Roncesvalles.

Love stock were everywhere! They are just rooming around freely. It was truly amazing. 

The view of the mountains were spectacular after it rained.

Sheep up close....they were just crossing the road when I went by. 

Just the beginning of the country road.

Just got into the heart of the Pyrenees. 

Only 765 KM to go. 

It was level for just a little bit before it started inclining again.

I was so excited to see this! 

I finally made it! 17 KM! 

I stayed in a monastery. It had 300 beds. I wasn't able to "tour" the grounds....I really wanted too. I was able to take some pictures of the it though.

They say that the first day is the hardest. Well, I have to say that the second day is just as hard. There was lots of inclining. The fog in the heart of the mountain was terrible--along with the wind and rain. 

Went to get my ticket for the

Pilgrim's menu for dinner and have some coffee with some fellow pilgrims (all in Spanish). The coffee, or café solo, (well espresso) was so good. 

One of the pilgrims is from Venezuela and she was impressed with my pronunciation! I was just glad that I said it right. 

The meal was amazing!

 I had a vegetable soup and duck. The cafe even gave me gluten free bread and an apple for dessert. They were so nice about the no gluten thing. 

TONS of people have asked if I'm from Italy. They are surprised when I tell them that I'm American. I don't know what it is....all well. 

I was excited to be able to go to a pilgrim's mass! Even though I didn't understand hardly anything, the mass was beautiful. 

The alter was gorgeous. The stain glass windows were so pretty. It was might, so no one would be able to tell in a photo. 

Good-bye France, and hello Spain!

Day 1: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Orisson

Today, May 27th, was an early start. Had to get things packed up , ready to go for my early train( which turned out be a bus) into Saint Jean.

I learned one thing already.....my French is terrible! Let's hope my Spanish is  a better.

The Lord knows that I need help.....two lovely Italian men pointed me out in the right direction for the bus.

(Had to take a creeper photo of my two helpers)

Train station at bayonne (Gare de Bayonne)

I must be hot natured because everyone is wearing jackets, but I think it's a lovely temperature. Maybe it's because I am from the south. I am just glad that I am not having to deal with 90 degree weather. 

Saint Jean Pied de Port

Got to the pilgrim's office by following the other pilgrims that got off the bus. I got my pilgrim's passport and my first stamp. 

The people in the office were very helpful. They gave me directions and a map for the first 2 days. The climb was very tough. The scenery was AMAZING! I stop  many times for the view (other times were to catch my breath).

I finally made it! The hills were killer. 

It was time for lunch--ham, cheese,and coffee. The ham was fresh and wonderful! 

Orisson

After arriving at Orrison, I was able to catch up with those I saw at Saint Jean. There were my Italian friends (names escape me), a German friend-Duertma, an Irish women, several Americans. There was lots of small talk and laughter. 

One of the women did tell me that I will be able to find a dentist in Pampolona. Good. This tooth is killing me!

I met a fellow Celiac. We had some good discussions about food and life in general. I showed her my app of multi lingual gluten free cards...she was thankful. It's amazing how normal you feel when you meet strangers with an uncommon illness.

Shower time was interesting since I had a 5 minute token for showering. Got it done! Washed clothes in the sink, and then hung them out to dry. 

My dinner at Orisson...vegetable soup and pork. It was gluten free (Genny and I asked). They made her and I some custard dessert. It was yummy! 

After an deep spiritual discussion with my Irish Catholic friend, Genny, it was time for bed. Since my clothes were not dry yet and it was cold from the sun starting to set, I brought them inside to hopefully be dry in the morning. 

My sleeping arrangements. Pretty comfy actually. Tomorrow is another day. Let's see how I feel in the AM.

Just FYI.....there was no wifi at Orisson. Also, don't panick if posts are not every day. There isn't always wifi at the hostels. 

Made It To Paris

It is hard for me to believe that I am going to be gone for 6 weeks on a pilgrimage. After 2 years of planning, it seems strange that the planning is over. It's now the time to embark on my journey.  

The Flight/Trip To Paris

Having to get up at 3:00 AM to start my journey was NOT fun. At least I was able to make it through security with my pack and poles! YES!!! 

The flight to Dallas was made more pleasant due to my "neighbor". We sparked a conversation when she noticed my book about Padre Pio. Immediately we had a connection. We talked about various saints and the Pope before she told me she had some close friends that did the Camino de Santiago. What a small world! She told me that I am going to LOVE it! She also warned me about the gypsies, and the tricks they use to steal from people. Thank you kind random women. God's providence is truly amazing!

I had a 7 hour layover in Dallas. I think I spend most of the time trying to find somewhere I could eat. 

Then I chip a tooth on the popcorn. REALLY?!? First an almost root canal last week, now a chipped tooth. *sigh* Then my flight to Paris kept getting delayed. There was a French women was so sweet to assure me that I would make my train. 

I was happy when it was time to say good-bye to Dallas. Thanks to melatonin, I was able to catch a few hours of sleep. It seemed like we would never arrive. 

Hello Paris! If it wasn't for the same sweet lady earlier, I would have NEVER found my way. I had to take the train not the bus. I made it to my TGV train with 35 minutes to spare. Yay!

This was all I was able to find for lunch in a short period of time. I do have to say that the yogurt is way better in France than the US. On a different note, it was exciting to see other pilgrims get on the train.  

Made it to my hotel after a long 2 days of travel. Hopefully tomorrow will go just as well. 

 The Lord is just taking care of me so well! This is going to be a fabulous trip!