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| TGV train to Bayonne |
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| First official sign to the Camino from the train |
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| Albergue sign St Jean |
The train trip from Brussels to St Jean Pied de Porte was wonderful. I had a reserved seat. Unlike the Eurostar trip we were not served lunch but at 1 pm everyone in my car pulled a lunch out of a sak or a bag or a package. And lunch was enjoyed by all. I changed trains and stations in Paris from Gare du Nord to Gare de Montparnasse. Using the Metro was easy, but waiting in line to buy the ticket from a machine was exasperating. A large group ahead of me could not get the machine to accept their coins. Metro personnel nearby had no interest in assisting. Luckily I had plenty of time for the connection. When I changed trains in Bayonne I met Renata from Austria. We had enough time to walk around the square in Bayonne before getting on the train to St.Jean. It was a "puddle jumper" and filled to standing room only. We all seemed to be on the same mission, going in the same direction.
Also met Tasha from Las Vegas and her friend Joe. Walked to the pilgrim office got info on Albergues and more. Many were also picking up a Credencial del Peregrino at the Pilgrim Office. You need this in order to stay in the Albergue / Hostels. They are low cost at 10 - 15 Euros / night.
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| Eva, Marie and Renata |
Met Renata at the Albergue registration, she had two new Austrian friends Maria and Eve and we all dined together at a local place featuring a Pilgrims Menu. (More Later) We talked about our planned walk etc. When I told them my plan to take two days on the route adjacent to the road through Valcarlos, they said NO NO NO! You must come with us. My route had been washed out in a rain storm and was now a very dangerous walk on the highway.
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| Breakfast - small bowls of coffee,French bread, butter, jam, honey | . |
So the weather was beautiful - pure sun, gorgeous mountains. And we walked from 8 am to 5:45 pm - a little over 32 kilometers. My goal was 20 km. We stayed at the albergue in Roncevalles; it houses 183 folks in 3 large rooms on 3 floors. And it is beautiful and comfortable, Very different from our first night in a17th century building. Buen Camino
This gal has our father's fortitude.
ReplyDeleteYou are off and running and yet found time to "be a tourist" first. Cannot believe all the terrain you've covered prior to beginning your Camino. Really, first class to London (I'm just jealous!) and then on to Brussels! Wow! You are certainly dauntless and, yes, a marvelous example. Can't wait to continue the saga of all the people who are crossing your path. Even the washout of your proposed route was calmly abandoned and off you went with your new friends! Thinking of you and anxious to follow your progress. Will attend a Camino meeting in our Church on Friday. I'll let you know if I sign up!!!! I would like to some day, but don't think that I have the courage! That rain seemed really daunting.... Best wishes in the days to come... May everything go your way and God keep you safe!
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