Tag Archives: walk

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October 7, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, France, Spain

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SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT – RONCESVALLES

The Pyrenees

Camino: Day 1

Distance: 26.8 km (16.6 miles)

Weather: sunny 55-80 degrees

Time on the trail: 9 hours

Fabulous day to start our walk. Big blue skies the whole day. We left our hotel at 8:00am.

The first 7 hours was a slow gradual uphill climb. (1227 meters, 4035 feet) the last 2 hours was a steep decline. It felt great to stop.

At the start of the day you could always see 10-20 pilgrims walking near you, by midpoint that had thinned to 5-10. By the last mile we only saw 2. Showing how everyone starts out together, but as the day moves forward some fall behind while others speed up. We were somewhere in the middle.

The goods news is that every book says this is the hardest day of the entire trip. I hope this turns out to be true.

Today’s route following the Napoleon route in red
Leaving town
Koreans stretching
On our way
Sunrise
Women resting their feet, blisters are a big issue on the Camino

The only obstacle for the day was avoiding the sheep, cow and horse poop on the trail.

And not stepping on the flowers
Serenade of cow bells
Time to fill water bottles
Leaving the only stop for refreshments on the route
Someone already pulling out items from their backpack to leave behind
Only 475 more miles to go (actually think it’s further)
Entering Spain

Happy to be at our hotel relaxing.

Perfect end to our first day.

Salad, pasta, wine and ice cream for only 16€!!!

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October 5, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, France, Uncategorized

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Walking the Camino De Santiago – The Way

Routes to Santiago de Compostela

There are many ways to walk to Santiago, we have chosen the popular French route that leaves from Saint Jean Pied de Port in southern France. If all goes as planned, we will reach Santiago in 34 days, then Finisterre (End of the Earth) 4 days later.

The French route has been walked for 1,000s of years and actually follows the Milky Way.

From: https://star-name-registry.com

There are many reasons why people make this 500 mile journey by foot. In fact, I’ve read it is the most common question asked by fellow pilgrims.

Some say if one goes in spirt of meditation & reflection, you are a pilgrim, otherwise you are just a tourist.

For us, no doubt, it will be an adventure which will test our physical abilities, but that’s what life is always about. Struggle mixed with JOY.

It’s been a dream to walk the Camino since watching a documentary in 2014 which followed various people making the pilgrimage.

Very exciting to finally be on our way to do “The Way.”

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