St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France to Valcarlos, Spain 11.6 km

 

Saturday, April 9th, 2022

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

8:06am to Noonish, 11.6 km

Breakfast was another family affair. Not a big fan of Cornflakes and bread.  Actually the bread was delicious. Last night, the owner of the Beilari hostel, Joseph, said I could borrow a sleeping bag until Roncesvalle and leave it there for him.  Turns out, he changed his mind.  This morning he wanted it back.  Oh well.  I’m a warm sleeper anyway. This hostel was a strange way to start the camino.  

The hike/walk today was a piece of cake compared with the Appalachian Trail. I was mildly winded going up the hills, never had to stop and rest. The silk sock liners and smart wool socks, and vaseline seemed to work well for me. No blisters!  I believe the vaseline truly does prevent blisters.  Alyssa and Michi had an easy time too. 

The hike/walk to Valcarlos was extremely beautiful. I adore the lush rolling hills of green. We even heard the cowbells on the farm animals I longed to hear.  Bucket list item, checked!

We have a very cute apartment tonight. A kitchen, two bedrooms, and a washing machine. Clean clothes and body make me happy, lol.

French bread, cheese, pasta, vegetables and Rioja wine for dinner.  Life is good!

Michi wants us to do the Napoleon Pass tomorrow. The is a trail from Valcarlos to the pass we can take. We just called the pilgrim office in SJPP. The pass is still closed. Michi is not too happy about going the regular way.

My backpack has traveled to Madrid. Alyssa tried contacting the airline. They are closed until Monday. It’s not much of a hassle since I purchased another backpack, poles, and a few other things.  I really just need another shirt and my extra underwear. I really like this new backpack.  The color is a deep, bright blue and it is much lighter, thus more comfortable to carry, than my Appalachian Trail backpack.

I hope to sleep better tonight. I didn’t sleep much last night due to loud snoring.  I better get used to snorers quickly.  I plan to stay in hostels.

Alyssa and Michi went for a walk and a drink at one of the bars. When they came back they said the town was coming to life.  No pilgrims in sight. Guess they were relaxing inside like us.

Starting our Camino adventure

Sheep with cowbells!

This was fun to cross!

Giant egg bocadillo

View from our apartment