Month: September 2016

9.10.2016
Today we begin our ascent towards the Alto de Arro through the Pyrenees of Navarra. The weather is perfect – high 60’s to start with – the sun following us the entire journey. As we start, we pass the Gothic Cross of the Pilgrims which was transported to its current spot in 1880 to serve as an unmistakable sign of the historic pilgrimage passage. Along our way we pass through towns and villages all with the recognizable Basque architecture of white exteriors with rust colored shutters and roofs. The path is crowded with pilgrims and I am struck with the wide variety of ages and fitness levels. All go at their own pace making the journey their own. We see cattle, horses and farms as well as beautiful views as we ascend. One of the things that made me smile was the number of dogs belonging to locals unleashed who followed their masters besides bikes or while they went about their day completely ignoring the passing pilgrims. They seemed to almost be amazed by us. We finish our day in Alto de Erro where the views of the valley below are breathtaking. We finish in good shape for today and ready for tomorrow. Some food and wine and a nice bed await! Although we weathered today with ease, I am humbled by the fact that the backend of our 16 days is much more challenging!

Sept 9 Welcome Day
We meet our group at the Pamplona train station. Our group consists of 7 women and 2 men including John and me. There are 2 sisters from the United States, 4 lady friends from Mexico, a male traveling solo from the Phillipines plus John and me. We are all contemporaries. I know I will like this group!! Our guide describes herself as a pilgrim more than a guide and does portions of the Camino each year. She had a life changing experience after being in a University setting doing research and losing her job. She found that she is “happy” living the Camino for the last 4 years. There is another group that is traveling with us for the introductory day one who will do the full Camino in 35 days self guided. They are all American. We drive from Pamplona across the border to explore the French city of St Jean Pied a Port. Many decide to get their passports here with their first stamp but John and I want to wait for our walking start in Roncesvalles Spain. St John Pied a Port is a lovely French village where the 3 largest Jacobean Roads in France converge. We walk up to the citidal, eat another jamon sandwich and look at the shops. We get back on the bus to cross back to Roncesvalles Spain. I am anxious to get started . . .

In Roncesvalles we are lodging in a stunning former college for noviates. There is an albergue and church attached to the hotel and many pilgrims. The Camino passes right in front of the hotel. We attend mass in the small gothic church attached to the hotel and are blessed by the Navarre Bishop. It is an emotional beginning. During our group dinner with our co-pilgrims we all share what the Camino means to us. We are given our shells, passports and get our first stamps. The experience is quite emotional especially when shared in communion with others. Our guide talks about the decision to walk the Camino de Santiago as a desire to “hit the road” or to head somewhere and from that moment you become a pilgrim. Hitting the road requires a fundamental attitude of abandonment. Abandonment is being at the mercy of something greater than oneself. It is to stop oneself from being the the focal point of one’s life and to overcome the natural selfishness that keeps us from growing. It is not a contest or race. I know this will be part of my letting go and journey!!!!