Day 30 Ostabat to Saint Jean Pied de Port

So much for my conjunctivitis getting better, I had a terrible nights sleep, my eyelids kept sticking together.

We were on the road by 0730, sadly Jean's Achilles had swollen up on his left leg and he  was unable to walk, which was a real blow especially as this was the last leg of the walk,

It was very overcast and there was mist hanging over the hills.

We only had twelve miles to cover.

It is a shame it was so cloudy as the views were stunning.

I looked back at the last hill of any significance that I was to climb on the Le Puy and my goodness I have climbed some hills!!!!

Please note my legs are looking quite brown, another first.

Only a short distance to go !!!

We stopped for a quick break .

We only had 3 miles to go.

One small climb and St Pied de Port came into view, music has been my constant companion on this walk so it seemed appropriate to put Harvest Moon by Niel Young on my ipod, as I approached the entrance to the town.

I have to say I was elated and a touch emotional.

Jean was waiting for us,

We had done it !!!! What an amazing walk.

We walked down to the start of the Frances Camino, which is where it all started for me two years ago on my first Camino.

This street is where I took my first steps on the Camino 1400 miles ago.

I got emotional again.

I then went to the church as I had done two years ago and lit a candle again for my late brother Mark , who had been so instrumental on setting me on this journey.

I also lit a candle for Jeremy and lit two others .

I stopped 4 chaps who had rucksacks on, I could tell by their new boots that they were about to start the Camino, I asked then if they wanted my walking pole and I gave them all my lotions plasters and bits that I would not use again,  they seemed so excited as they asked me lots of questions about the Camino, I told them they would have the best month of their lives, I did not have the heart to tell them about the blisters and pain that was coming their way, as they will find out soon enough, it will not stop them!!!!

I then easily made the transition from being a pilgrim back to being me as we went to a Michelin rated restaurant for lunch, Jean had found another gem.

What a superb meal we had.

We said goodbye to Jean Michelle as we had to get the bus to Bayonne to get to Biarritz, due to the strikes the driver had no tickets so it was free of charge, every cloud has a silver lining.

Another cool driver!!!

Within seconds of getting on the bus I fell asleep and woke up totally bewildered in Bayonne, ninety minutes later.

We then got a taxi to Biarritz.

We then went out for dinner, then returned to our hotel and I said goodbye  to Jean that big hearted Frenchman who has become such a good friend to me, he was getting up early as he was getting a bus home.

When I started this walk I said I would probably put on weight, well I can definitely say I have lost weight this time.

Dog on a blog .

Well that is it for me my Camino is done, I just hope this little big hearted dog finishes his Camino.

Buen Camino Boolou you can do it you beauty, only 500 miles to go to Santiago, you four legged walking legend !!!!

Day 29 Aroue-Ithorots-Olhaiby to Ostabat - Asme

My eyes were really playing up this morning despite me treating them

In line with the doctors instructions, now there is a first !!

I toyed with the idea of stopping to get home to get proper treatment but decided to stick with it and I am glad I did as I think things might be improving.

We were on the road by 0815, I was not sorry to leave that Gite !!!!

When this Camino is over this is what I am going to stick too !!!

The views today were to be absolutely stunning,

There was to be no rain thankfully.

The usual mixture of country lanes

and tracks.We only passed through one village.

The Pyrenees were getting tantalisingly

close.

It was hard to believe that this walk was

slowly coming to an end.

Dog on a blog .

Hayfever city.

Well the Camino did have a surprise

in store for us, it was the views.

We stopped at Uhart Mixe for lunch.

The end was in sight.

We only had 7 km left to walk today.

It not take long for us to get to Ostabat-Asme.

We had a quick beer then found our Gite.

Find the socks time. I cannot believe

today is the last time I will have to wash them.

We are having dinner in the Gite tonight, I just prey it is better than last nights meal.

I am pleased to say it was, we had an evening of wine food and song with some good cheer thrown in.

What an amazing walk this has been and I feel extremely privilaged to have been able to do it, without the support of my family friends work and my dear friends who joined me along the way, it would not have been possible, a huge thank you to you all , we have raised nearly £5000 , if anyone is reading this and would like to make up the £100 or so shortfall to get us to the £5000 mark, I would be over the moon , https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Peter-Hulme2?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20160429_70371The ABF the soldiers charity is the winner, once again a huge thank you to you all.

I have walked with wonderful people and yet again made friends for life, sadly this will be my last Camino as I feel

It is time to hang up my boots , what a wonderful time I have had as I have lurched across Europe over the last three years, I hope you have enjoyed my story.

Once last blog tomorrow as I approach St Jean Piier de Port.

Stats for today.

Walked 13 Miles

12 miles to go !!!!!!!!!!