This French couple reminds me of my Aunt Frankie and Uncle Wade. Where as my aunt and uncle sends me off with butter beans, this French couple sends me off with a bag of just-picked cherries.
Toulouse may have always had the most pilgrim interest along the Arles Route to Santiago because of its numerous churches, convents, monasteries and hostelries/hospitals.
Saint Semin was the first bishop of Toulouse and was martyred in 250 AD by being dragged by bulls through the city streets. His body, along with 128 saints, lie in the Basilique Saint-Semin. Completed in C14th, it’s the largest Romanesque church in France.
Devine providence? None other than two of the French-Three-Some appear!
Yesterday’s rain washed clothes began the day dry, only to be laundered by today’s rains.
The Camino provides…The French-Three-Some and I separate company today. As they ends their walk, Françoise offered the standard goods: Compeeds (blister treatment) and zip-lock bags. After two rains in two days, she insisted the loan of her rain poncho. Through I have a backpack cover, Gortex rain jacket and paints, yesterday’s rain totally soaked my pack. A poncho better protects the bag and walker; albeit, hotter and more weight in my pack.
Day 72, June 17
6 miles, 873 miles
Altitude: 2 feet (3,051 feet daily high) 1300 meters climbing 800 meters in 6 miles
Weather: sunny 45-85F
O Cebreiro
People have been carrying this mountain on their backs before they ever got here. O Cebreiro is the dreaded twosome…the steepest and the highest mountain on the Camino. When you begin reading about the Camino, O Cebreiro became the protagonist.
As with most things in life, worrying is far more difficult than dealing with the issue. Most of the pilgrims have already walked hundreds of miles with backpacks which get lighter by the week. (Yes, I am still tossing things from my pack.) The solution to a steep and high mountain is to go slow. As Coach Mark says, “Perception of effort.” If you feel exertion, slow down. Take a break.
Day 41, May 17
16 miles, 486 miles
Altitude: 3,116 feet
Weather: blue sky with clouds 55-75F
Roncesvalles
FRIST DAY IN SPAIN
Col de Bentarte, 4,386 feet
Col Lepoeder, 4,724 feet
Climbed 338 feet in 2.5 mile
The moment. Walking in Spain.
Day 39, May 15
13 miles, 470 miles
Altitude: 124 meters
Weather: blue sky with clouds 60-75F
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
FINISHED FIRST HALF
For eight years I dreamed of walking the Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago, Spain. Three years ago I learned The Way begins in Le Puy, France doubling the length of the pilgrimage. There is such a huge feeling of satisfaction knowing I have completed the harder half. Arriving in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port I feel like the sage pilgrim knowing all you need to do is walk and walk and walk.
Day 38, May 14
17 miles, 457 miles
Altitude: 124 meters
Weather: blue sky with clouds 60-75F
Ostabat
Walked with the man from Hawaii and other creatures.
Day 36, May 12
13 miles, 440 miles total
Altitude: unlisted
Weather: clear, overcast 58-72F
Aroue
During the pilgrim blessing at Le Puy, I was encouraged to take a prayer card written in English.
Bless all my family. Keep them safe from harm. Give Arthur and Ava strength to live.
Stopping at each chapelle and cathedral along the Chemin, I have reflected on this prayer request.
Thirty-five days later I met my first American, a man from Hawaii. It is his prayer card I carry.
Camino magic. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket.
Day 22, April 28
14 miles, 260 miles total
Altitude: 725 feet
Weather: rainy, cloudy, partial sun 38-58F
Lauzerte
In Le Puy, the priest asked that we accept a prayer request card. In each church along the Chemin, I wish Arthur and Ava strength to live and peace.
All churches or public squares have a memorial for WWI or WWII soldiers. I am constantly reminded much blood was shed in this beautiful nation.
Linda Scandore 