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
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
My Airbnb in Orthez was above an Italian takeaway, so, for supper, I had an aubergine parmigiana followed by tiramisu (both home-made) for 11€. It also boasted a washing machine, so a quick wash kept me up to date, and a rack by the open kitchen window meant everything dried overnight. I turned in early, …
Continue reading Camino Stage 6: Day 3 – Orthez to Les Étoiles d’Orion.
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
I am a week out from setting off for the next stage of my camino. For any pilgrim or walker, the question of how their feet are, and what they will wear on them, is of prime importance. I thought I would share my experience with feet and footwear (without gory pictures, I hasten to …
Once the walking stops, then I am keen to get home. But while I could rearrange two elements of my journey, Eurostar remained stubbornly immoveable, except at an outrageous price. Anyway, I woke silly early and could not get back to sleep, so I was first; first to be packed and ready, first at breakfast, …
Continue reading Camino Stage 5: Day 13 – Bayonne to Southwell
From The Quire 