I had a delightful overnight stay with my in-laws in Harpenden, and they dropped me off fairly early at Harpenden station on their way to a family christening. It was cold and damp at Luton Airport, but warm and comfortable in the terminal building. I checked in my rucksack in its own bag and did …
Continue reading Camino Stage 7: Day 1 – Harpenden to Barcelona.
Yesterday, 10th April, I set out on the next stage of my Camino in memory of Philip Endean SJ, my old university friend, who inspired me to want to do this back in the 1970s. Today I fly to Barcelona, and then tomorrow I will catch trains up to Logroño where I rejoin the Camino …
With temperatures scheduled to peak today, another early start was called for. I had slept well in my own room and was up, packed and ready for the off by 06:55. The road out of Estella started to climb immediately, the street lights guiding us through some not very interesting parts of the city. Once …
Yesterday evening was convivial with other pilgrims, in fact, probably a bit too convivial. I realised it was time to go bed when I led the entire terrace in a rousing rendition of "Oh, Canada!". Anyway, I went straight to sleep for eight and a half hours, and awoke feeling remarkably spry! The old bridge …
The lights came on in the abbey dormitory at 06:15, breakfast was at 07:00, and we had to be out and away by 08:00. It had not been a restful night. Twenty or so people jammed into a room with bunk beds. I have to say that my years of going on the top bunk …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Day 9 – Roncesvalles to Zubiri
After a cordial breakfast with my host, Pascal, I was on the road by 08:30. But before I tell you more about my day, I am going to explain something about French home ownership that Pascal taught me, and which I am still trying comprehend. It began when I asked him about the scaffolding all …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Day 5 – Osserain-Rivareyte to Saint-Palais
From The Quire 