Madrid. Spain to St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France

Another café con leche and patata tortilla for lunch at the bus terminal. This one was even better than breakfast. I saw my first Camino shell in Pamplona!

Outside the Pamplona gate

St. Jean Pied-de-Port France

Pilgrim Office

Pilgrim office volunteers advising the new pilgrims

We received our credentials at the Pilgrim office in St. Jean Pied-de-Port. The Napoleon Pass is closed due to snow. I’m sad about that because I have dreamed of crossing over into Spain from the picturesque pass from France. The Valcarlos route is supposed to be pretty, but not the same. I may have to come back after getting to Santiago de Compostela so I can experience it. I don’t know if I’ll feel the same in another couple of months.

I bought a new backpack, hiking poles, socks, and umbrella, and a pair of leggings. All of these from the pilgrim outfitter store in SJPP. I’m the third pilgrim this season who has had luggage disappear in transit.

Mass was at 7pm tonight. It was conducted entirely in French, not surprising since we are in France, lol. There were only 7 of us attending. An Italian woman and moi were the only pilgrims. It was a beautiful old church and at the end we received a pilgrim blessing from the priest.

Benediction Prayer for Pilgrims

Almighty God, you are always kind to the ones who love you and open to the ones who seek you with a sincere heart

Have mercy on your servants who are making this pilgrimage and lead their paths according to your will

Be their shade in the heat of the day and be their relief when they get exhausted

Grant them the courage to accomplish their walk under your protection through our Lord, Jesus Christ

May the Lord lead your way and take us to the salvation: Amen
May the Lord be always with us along the way: Amen
May the Lord help us to accomplish this Pilgrimage which we begin in the faith: Amen

.We are staying at a highly rated hostel called Beilari. A vegetarian dinner!  Dinner was a long affair. I barely had time to write in my journal before lights out.  I’m sharing a room with two women.  I have a bottom bunk by the window.  Alyssa and Michi are alone in an adjoining room.  

Beilari Hostel

My new backpack, hiking poles, and socks