This trip took a while to plan and I would have walked it with a friend of mine from South Africa. Unfortunately she became ill the last minute and could not join me. I have subsequently decided to walk it on my own. It was a daunting idea, but the best thing ever to have walked it solo. It was really safe to walk. They say ‘the Camino provides’ and it is true, as your fellow pilgrims are always there when needed.
I did a lot of research into the route that I should walk and downloaded a few apps that was helpful on my way. I have used the Polarsteps App to keep in contact with friends and family and they were also able to follow me on a map as I walked.
4 September 2019 – ARRIVING
I flew to Biarritz from Stansted and then took a bus to Bayonne where I got a train to Saint Jean Pied De Port. I met lovely people there doing the Camino and we started a WhatsApp group. Doug from Yorkshire, Jordan from Canada, Gina from New Jersey, Emily from New Zealand, Mike from Texas, Larry from California and Bathrobe Bob from California. We waked around a bit and watched the equivalent of Tour de France – Tour de Espana. I chose to sleep in a hotel the first night to get myself sorted for the next day. It was noisy, and there were lots of singing in the street. Everybody was in such good form and very excited. That evening was my first introduction to a pilgrim’s meal… it looked disgusting but fortunately was nice.
