Dawn in Saint-Palais The hostel in Saint-Palais had been a Franciscan friary until 2005 when the last friars left. It was taken over by the municipality and comprehensively upgraded (new cloister constructed besides other improvements). Use is now shared between the municipal tourist office, a museum of Basque history and the pilgrims hostel. In the …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Day 6 – Saint-Palais to Ostabat-Asme
My hostesses at Les Étoiles were kindness itself, but nevertheless I did not sleep well. Perhaps it was the humidity. I was woken in the night, briefly by the heavy rain. In the morning, it was ten degrees cooler and very overcast with low cloud. Not as beautiful, but much nicer for walking! The quince …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Day 4 – Les Étoiles d’Orion to Osserain-Rivareyte
Yesterday was a special day for Laurence (his 26th sobriety anniversary, since you asked), marked by cards and visits from friends, and a great sense of pride. Me pushing off on Camino was the only downside - though, to be fair to him, he always says that he's delighted I'm doing this adventure, and he …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Days 1 & 2 – Southwell to Orthez
Planning for my next stage of the Camino de Santiago
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
Ready for the road Today the walk restarted. First of all, I had a quick breakfast, then departed from last night's lodging. The room was fine, but the couple running it were disturbingly unfriendly. I checked with a Frenchwoman I met on the road who had stayed there, and it wasn't just me. Why run …
From The Quire 