I'm in my room at the hostel with Olivier, my Belgian walking companion. I have just asked him how this town's name is pronounced - he hasn't a clue. I suppose that's like asking anyone south of Sheffield how Slaithwaite should be pronounced. Anyway, if I pass a native as I'm leaving in the morning …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 9 – Saint Sever to Hagetmau
I woke early, got up, showered, packed, had a small breakfast and was out and on the road by 07.45. I think I was both itching to get walking again, but also somewhat apprehensive about how my feet would hold up. Mont de Marsan to Saint Sever is theoretically 22 kms on paper, but actual …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 8 – Mont de Marsan to Saint Sever
This was the day I gave over to not going anywhere, and giving my feet time to heal. It has been a good day, divided between watching the Pope's funeral, having a good afternoon rest, and then going back to the bar where I watched the funeral to see the England vs France women's rugby …
I found sleeping in a dormitory of snorers and whistlers a bit challenging, but managed to fall asleep by midnight. Mornings start early on the road, and by eight I was in the car of the hostess of the hostel, who very kindly dropped me off at the pilgrim hostel here, where they have agreed to …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 6 – Roquefort to Mont de Marsan
Last night was wrapped in the deep silence of the countryside, with only the sound of rain. I woke to a brighter morning and, after breakfast, was on the road by 8.15am. I had agreed to walk with Annie, whom I had met on the road on Tuesday. She had lodged at the same place, …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 5 – Bourriot-Bergonce to Roquefort
Today was a very strange day's walking. First of all, it was raining when I got up. Fine, wet rain. Not heavy, but always there. Sometimes it was a bit heavier, sometimes it almost petered out, then it came as sheets of wet mist. It was penetrating. Then, in the afternoon, the wind got up …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 4 – Captieux to Bourriot-Bergonce
From The Quire 