St. Jean Pied de Port, France

Bonjour! After two days of flights, including an overnight stay in London, England, we arrived early this afternoon to our Camino starting point St. Jean Pied de Port, France located at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains where horses run wild and goats graze everywhere. The old part of town sits in a walled citadel over 1,000 years old. We are also now in French Basque country where signs are abundant of the Camino de Santiago and the Basque independence movement. Yes, everyone speaks French and Basque, but I understand little to nothing and very little English is spoken, but we make our way through using google apps to communicate and the French oblige well, using the same for us too. It works, we are only here overnight, so the slight embarrassment of knowing very little French will be over soon enough. I’m here with a good friend Jeff, who has not walked the Camino but is an avid hiker like myself. I’d be lying, even as I contemplate my 3rd time on the Camino, if I didn’t have reservations about our 7 hour 27km hike nearly 4,000 feet in elevation to RONCESVALLES, Spain with 20 pounds strapped to my back. But, at the same time, I’m excited as well as the weather will be in the 70’s and sunny. Looking forward to entering Spain tomorrow and anticipating a beautiful day. Feeling very fortunate to have arrived here in one piece, and on time. I only hope the body will cooperate. Enjoy the pictures of St. Jean Pied de Port:

St. Jean Pied de Port

Part of the old wall, near the Citadel

My Room at Les Chamins d’Elika, a new B&B in the center of old town.

Outdoor Sitting Area for Guests, Les Chamins de’Elika