Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Arrived SJPDP around 4:30 pm. I had fallen asleep for part of the ride up. We parted ways to go to our separate accommodations but reunited later that night for beers.

My hostel was right next to a bakery with the delicious scent of assorted pastries wafting up. I went to check it out and they offered a selection of sweet and savoury items. I planned to be back for dessert later that night.

I went to the Pilgrim's Office to get my pilgrim's passport which will get stamped at all the accommodations I stay at and proves I completed the camino for a certificate at the end.

For dinner, I had some steak, fries, and salad. My meal reminded me what I learned on my last camino: they rarely have ketchup or salad dressings here like ranch, italian, french, etc. Most salads are dressed simply with oil and vinegar; there is no expansive selection of condiments to choose from.

While I had beers with M&M, they pretty much convinced me to take their route tomorrow morning through Valcarlos and not the harder route. My original route would've reach an elevation of 1400 m but their route goes to 1000 m. They had been told that route is also very scenic at this time of year and offered more amenities along the way. We hope to meet again tomorrow before they leave the camino in Roncesvalles.

After dinner, I grabbed a shower and promptly passed out.Read more