To Orisson

It's a glorious sunny day inSJPdP and I'll be making 'my way' to Orisson to the mountains. Elizabeth - I'm looking forward to their beauty.

Yesterday I explored SJPdP. The Citadelle above the town offers amazing views of the mountains and includes a school with basketball court. Imagine going to school there. I'm fascinated by the Basque sport Jai Alai where players have hook like appendages to throw and catch the balls.
There's a very strong Basque presence here.

Want to mention for the Friday group . I had no problem getting my backpack on the plane as carry on luggage with poles tucked inside and through security as well alto other Canadians I spoke to, we're not as lucky....

Off I go, on this amazing walk about! Blessings!

St Jean Pied de Port

Je suis arrive! It was a long day getting to SJPdP but smooth and uneventful. So many different emotions - excitement for sure but also the questioning of why I've chosen to do this especially when my left shoulder started talking to me.

From Paris I flew to Biarritz and then took a cab through rush hour praying I'd get to the train station in time for the bus to SJPdeP. Good practice in trusting that it would be OK.

The lineup for the bus was huge! They had to call for another bus! I wondered how busy the Camino would be.

SJPdP is lovely. I'm staying at a comfy b'n b Maison Ziberoa. Last night after dinner as I was walking past a church, I heard beautiful male voices in song. It was a lovely way to end a long day of travel in contemplation.

Today, I rest. Tomorrow, when the sun returns - it's rainy and snowing in the mountains today - I'll start walking with Kay from Cairns Australia. THE question is Route Napoleon through the mountains to Orisson or the lower route to Valcarlos.
Blessings!

Two sleeps to go.....

Here's a map of the Camino that I'll be embarking upon in just a few days.   And, as an inspiration, these words from Thich Nhat Hanh:

"When we walk like rushing, we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print Peace and Serenity on the earth... Be aware of the contact between your feet and the Earth. Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet." 


May it be so.

Walking in the rain....

Our Toronto Camino walking group met today, on Friday as usual, in spite of the pouring rain.  And, what a great day it was to test out our rain gear and other technical equipment.  I'm so glad that everything passed the dry test, except for the wool mittens that fell into the mud and had to be replaced by a pair of socks to keep my hands warm.

I can't say enough about how valuable this group has been to help me plan and prepare for my walk with  advice and information on all matters Camino; encouragement; generosity of spirit; camaraderie; and a wonderful sense of fun.  Blessings to you Darlene, for making this possible.

Here we are at the Brickworks about to make our way east through the ravines to Dawes Road to have lunch at the Bistro Camino.

12 sleeps to go....

"In his seventh volume of poetry, David Whyte looks at the great questions of human life through the eyes of the pilgrim: someone passing through relatively quickly, someone dependent on friendship, hospitality and help from friends and strangers alike, someone for whom the nature of the destination changes step by step as it approaches, and someone who is subject to the vagaries of wind and weather along the way. " http://www.davidwhyte.com/pilgrim.html

I am setting off on my Camino on Wednesday April 17.  In the moment,  I am looking forward to this adventure from the cozy comfort of my home, looking forward to the physicality of the walk;   the opportunity for reflection;  meeting 'fellow travellers' on the way/Way; discovering Spain; and ultimately getting to know myself throughout.

I am delighted to have you join me on my adventure.  Buen Camino.   April 6, 2013