Thursday 2 June 2016

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 !!!!





7 comments:

  1. Congratulations Peter amazing ! Loved every minute of sharing this experience with you even though from afar x

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  2. Thanks Soraya glad you enjoyed it, I know I did, I think I need a rest now xxx

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  3. Amazing stuff, PJ. You must be shattered!

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  4. I feel remarkably fit and not too tired, I am sure that might happen later

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  5. Well done boys... I am immensely proud of you. One hec of an achievement. Feel bereft now without the blog and STS ! xx

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  6. Peter - Brian here (Eauze & Navarrenx) So glad you made it to SJPDP. Hope your conjunctivitis is better.
    I waled to St Palais, took the bus to Bayonne (€2!) and met my wife at Biarritz. We had a wonderful week in Bearn (including a meal at the Hotel du Commerce in Navarrenx, when Christine, the manager, used the phrase "deja vu" in its mundane sense) but the call of the Chemin is strong and I'm planning to go back in September to walk the short distance from St Palais to Roncesvalles.
    Nice meeting you and Martin.
    Regards,
    Brian

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