Today was a day of delights. After heavy rain, mists and fog, it was such a joy to walk in sun and shade. It never got too hot, but it brought all the surrounding landscape to life. A green lane near Sault de Navailles Undulating countryside sometimes gave us wonderful views of the mountains and …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 11 – Beyries to Orthez to Bayonne
My first view of the Pyrenees Today was a gloriously sunny day, dominated by the majestic outline of the Pyrenees on the horizon. France and northern Spain have had one of the wettest Easters in memory, and that will no doubt have added to the snow on the high peaks. As you can see, even …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 10 – Hagetmau to Beyries
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
From The Quire 