Sunday, September 9, 2012
We are in gerendiain/viskarret/bizkarreta the reason for the two words.
Is because one is in Spanish and one is in the Basque language. We
did about 7 miles today and came to this lovely little village that has
one little grocery market similar tithe one at kings gap for reference.
There was a woman standing out on the tiny street with about 5 kids
playing when we stopoed to ask her if there was an alburgue available
for us to stay. She said no but she had a private place for 30 euro per
room so we split it for 15 euro each She has 3 rooms and there are 6
of us so it worked out for all. As some of our party were trying to
communicate with her 2 of us walked down to another Casablanca rural to
see what was there. That woman came out and said she could not
accommodate us but she would be happy to serve us dinner So 2 houses
down we will walk to this woman's home to have dinner fixed for us.
This little Casa rural gives us a small kitchen, a living room,
lovely bathroom with a deep tub for soaking. It is newly renovated
and designed for pilgrims. Life is good. I was writing in my journal
and dozing on the couch listening to her family speaking spanish
outside the window , a wood fire burning to cook dinner and of all
things a drum trap set in the background with someone obviously
practicing. I am amazed moment to moment on the Camino. So much to take
in as we walk and talk. Gay and I have found ourselves walking with 2
sisters and one sisters husband and another woman from Ottawa Canada.
They have become our Camino family and we have been Looking out for
each other. More to come tomorrow if this works when I try to send it.
Love to all Camille on the Camino
Hola, everyone, Okay that is the extent of my Spainish. Not
really. I am learning bits and pieces, and hopefull will be more aware
as time goes on. This is only my first day in Spain after a 2 day walk
over the Pyrennes. I cannot express to you the beauty of this land.
The diversity of the landscape and the uncluttered countryside and no
noise , just the sounds of nature and the clicking of walking
sticks. I was up early this morning around 5:30, which gives me a bit
of a head start on the crowd that eventually begins to rouse
themselves. We usually start the walk by 6:30 or 7 to get a good start
and avoid the heat. It has been warm these last few days with lots of
sun and blue skies of which I am grateful. This morning it chilly and I
have on my fleece jacket. Today we are going to do a light day of
about 7 or so after the last 2 days over the Pyrnees. We will make up
some time as we aclimate our bodies. I am holding up well and feel
strong, at least so far, but once again I´m only starting day 3 of my
journey .. Hard to believe it has been less than a week since I arrived
in Europe. I already have to ask people what day it is and the date is
gone from my mind, although i do know it is September :)
I am going to post as often as I can. I am having technical
difficulties with my phone so I can only post when I am near a public
pay for use computer.
Let me tell you about accomodations. The first night in St. Jean
Pied de Port we were exhausted from almost 24 hours of travel and we
stumbled into the first refuhio we could find. It was adequate,
although we decided not to stay there the second night. We had a single
room, which is unusual, with bunk beds, a norm over here at the
refugios. Gay and I take turns as to who get the top bunk. The second
night we stayed in the refugio run by the Camino Accueil, and there were
10 of us in the room 5 sets of bunk beds. I had forgot to turn off my
phone and my voice mail is turned off, so around 1AM it started ringing
and I took a leaping dive off the top bunk to reach it before my roomies
decided to end my Camino journey early for me. The 3rd night we stayed
in a beautiful refugio in Orrison, where it has an outside deck
overlooking the Pyrnnes and the valley. We all sat outside and chatted,
had a great dinner. In fact I wanted to get the soup recipe and forgot
to ask. Perhpas a Camino cookbook? And then last night we stayed at
an old hospital with a large enclosed courtyard. It has been remodeled
with several floors of pilgrim rooms. There are 2 bunk beds in each
cubicle and lights go out automatically at 10. So far all have been
comfortable and I am enjoying the diversity. Didn´t sleep too well last
night, but will catch up tonight. Okay, have to go now. My time on
the computer is almost up, and I need to meet some friends for Breakfast
before we begin. Love to all, and I recommend this to anyone. It is
AMAZING. I´ll be in touch.Camille on the Camino
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Hello everyone. I am in Roncevalles at an old renovated hospital
that has stone floors and it is obvious alot of history. We just got
here and I haven´t had time to look up any history, but google
roncevalles, Spain. This is our second day walking the Camino and the
scernary is unbelievable as are my fellow pilgrims. We walked through
the pyrnnees and the Basque country of France. The sheep and horses run
free with bells around their necks. Walking affords me a luxury of
taking it all in with my senses that will help keep the memories with me
forever. Blue blue skies, not a cloud. Soaring Birds, although I´m
not sure what kind, up hill up hill and thern there is more uphill. We
walked through woods of beech trees that had soft spongy soil, we
walked through grassy plans and we walked.
The people I´ve met are from all over the world and there are
different languages being spoken all around me. Everyone is kind and
willing to help. I am blessed to be here. An amazing experiece that I
recommend to anyone. Tonight we will go to be blessed at the pilgrims
mass and then have dinner. It is usually bedtime by 9 or 9:30 as we
are up early and packing to walk. The ryhtym of the morning is taking
some used to, but I love my best friend my pack and we are learning each
others ways.
that´s all for now as I am almost out of time on the computer.
it is more difficult than I thought to get information back to you.
Take care all and much love Camille on the Camino
Greetings from the Camino.
I am sitting on a covered deck with tables at the Refugio
in orrisson France looking at an amazing view of the Pyrnees. Today was beautiful
with blue blue sky and sunny weather. Good news bad news as far as the sun. Some
shade but not much. Made me appreciate the shade even more. We walked about 5 miles
all up hill. Gorgeous views at every turn. Gay and I and our new friends from Canada,
Georgia and Washington state are sitting here planning our day for tomorrow which is
much longer and very steep. StJean pied de port France is a beautiful town with a
Medevial walled city, winding cobblestone streets, a citadel and friendly people.
The walk today was a challenge and we did it This is going to be a challenging and
rewarding journey Coming upon the Refugio /hostel was like an oasis. Okay time to end
for now. Not even sure this will reach the blog. One can only try.
Wish us Buen Camino good journey. Love to all. Camille on the Camino
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Whew, We are here in St.Jean Pie de Port France and it is Beautiful. The village is full of pellegrinos, also known as pilgrims. Everyone is friendly and so helpful. We stayed at a refugio in the old section of the city and had a community meal of stewed green beans, beef and potatoes that was delicious as we were exhausted and starved. We will stay here in St. Jean one more night before we begin the most difficult part of the trip over the pyrnees mountains into Spain. We will stay part way in another refugio and arrive in Roncevalles on Saturday. It was a good choice for us to stay an extra day in St. Jean as we spent over 24 hours traveling on Tues into Wed evening. I feel so grateful for many things, foremost the love and support I feel from everyone and the fact that I am here and able to to this: I already want to return as many people we've met do. Goodbye for now Love to all
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
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