St Jean Pied de Port

Last day in St. Jean. I am sitting at an outdoor patio with a beer in the early afternoon but tomorrow afternoon at this time, I hope I am finally onto the downhill stretch into Roncesvalles!

I will finally have to commit to what goes in the backpack and what stays in the suitcase. As those of you who know and love me...commitment isn't my strength these days, but I am now fully committed to the next 900km.

Today I met a pilgrim from Germany who is also going to Finisterre; another pilgrim whom I helped get his e SIM card up and working, and he helped me with finally finding a user friendly travel app so I can share this journey across Spain with you all. The three ladies from Australia I saw at breakfast today, I will likely see again in the next days on the camino.

There are surprisingly a-lot of cyclists as well, but you couldn't pay me to climb the hill out of town on a bike!

Just like in the medieval era, many pilgrims wear the scallop shell around their necks or attached to their back to make it easier to be identified as a pilgrim and provide reassurance that they are still on the right track. It is more symbolic now...to be on the right path.Read more