St Jean Pied de Port to Auberge Orisson

6th October 2009 - 9.89 km - 5.15 miles - Up 977 m Down 88 m


Our Hotel Saint Jead Pied de Port

We had a relaxed start this morning, getting up at a leisurely 8 am! After a visit to the post office to send French guide books etc. now surplus to requirements, we visited the supermarket to get in supplies.


The start of the Route de Napoleon, used to cross the Pyrenees by us and Napoleon and his army when he invaded Spain.

At 11:30 after coffee we set off and it was up hill all the way! Despite the forecast of rain we only had a few spots and soon the sun was out again as hot as ever. At 12:30 we stopped for lunch arriving at Orisson at 2 pm. The views back over where we have been have been magnificent.




As we sat reading, Seb and Anne appeared walking down from the Spanish border, where they finished their trip, we had hoped to see them again to say good bye, so our wish has been fulfilled.




Also at the Auberge was Donna an American from New Mexico who was celebrating her 62nd Birthday, and had carried up a large bottle of Champagne to celebrate. So after our final French meal of our Camino we toasted Donna with Champagne.

Tonight was an evening of beginnings, Middles and endings.

For Donna, Seb and Anne it's the end of their camino for this year. For us it marks the mid point of ours. While for an Australian couple Mike and Joan and for a young Italian couple who only got married on Saturday it marks the first day of their Camino.

As we came to bed we saw a fantastic red moon, and a sky covered in stars. A fantastic sight as we prepare to cross the border into Spain tomorrow.

On the Camino in France