One more sleep til we begin!

Waiting for the train in Bayonne we sat in the passenger area next to young couple with large backpacks.  We struck up a conversation, they are walking the Camino at the same time we are.  They however, are doing the whole journey and carrying everything.  Ah youth!

 The high speed train ride from Paris to Bayonne was amazing.  We were traveling at speeds of almost 200 mph.  It was dizzying watching the telephone poles flash by!  We stopped at a market and a bakery before boarding so were fortified with the ubiquitous wine, bread and cheese, and it was delicious.  

Bayonne was HOT, and the 15 minute walk from the train station to our hotel left us dripping with sweat.  But the hotel was charming, the AC kicked in, and after a shower and a bit of of a rest we headed out to explore.  The neighborhood was very old European, and the streets were crowded with shoppers and people enjoying tapas at the cafes.  On the recommendation of a French family we had a delightful meal at a little cafe (are you sensing a theme here?)   While we were eating under a large umbrella, a thunder storm rolled through, but we stayed dry and the air cooled considerably.

The rest of our party arrived from Paris later in the evening, but still dealing with jet lag, they retired early, and so did we. 

This morning (Thursday) we found breakfast in a charming cafe in Bayonne, then did some window shopping in the marketplace.  Liked this town as much than Paris!

Left early afternoon for St Jean by bus, climbing up into the Pyrenees.  The higher the better, less to climb tomorrow!  We checked into our hotel and got our pilgrim passports stamped.  Another charming French town, lots of steep cobbled streets.  The hills gave us a taste of what is coming tomorrow, it will be a challenge!  The entire town is very busy with pilgrims.  Looks like we may be crowded on the trail in the morning.  Light supper, then early to bed. 

Tomorrow the real adventure begins! 

Told you they were ugly!

 “This hill though high I covent ascend;

The difficulty will not me offend;

For I perceive the way of life lies here.

Come, pluck up, heart; let's neither faint nor fear. ”

 John Bunyan - Pilgrim’s Progress