Rest, Reflection and Rejuvenation
When I completed the Via Podiensis (Le Puy Camino) with my arrival at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP) back on Sat, Sep 25th, I already knew that my body needed some rest after 34 days of walking. More specifically, my left foot needed time to heal from the blisters I obtained about two weeks into my trek. A rest was mandatory for me or else my plan to continue on phase two of this particular journey would not be possible. And rest I did.
I decided to stay close to SJPP for a couple of reasons. First of all, I would be near a train station allowing me immediate access to transportation no matter what my future plans would be. Second and most important, I would be near pilgrims in a town that now held a very special place in my heart, more so than my first trip here.
Only 20 minutes from downtown SJPP, I found an Airbnb in Ispoure, a very quiet village nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. With a close view of vineyards and the occasional sounds of bells on the sheep just meters from my bedroom window, this was a perfect location.
It was extremely difficult to stay put and not walk for the first couple of days as my body wanted to keep moving. But I persisted and could feel my foot thanking me.
A few days after my arrival, I found out that Rachel (from Oregon) had walked into town completing her Camino. It was fantastic to see her again. We did dinner with Rachel's Camino family, attended a concert in the church with a Basques choir, and played tourist for several hours wandering around the medieval town. While pilgrim watching at my favourite spot, David and Brenda from Seattle (who I first met way back on day 5) saw me and surprised me with a hello. They had just arrived and were headed to their gite to be followed in a couple days with some well-deserved time off. Seeing these three people again was never expected and I am very grateful for my decision to stay in SJPP. The Camino provides!
My Airbnb host Kathy was wonderful and very accommodating. She also took me on a trip to the Irati Forest, the second largest and best preserved mixed beech-fir forest in Europe. It was nice to get back into nature and while the intent was to look for a specific variety of elusive mushrooms, we were not very successful. However it was still a great adventure.
After several days of R&R, I have made the decision to continue with my original plan for phase two - to complete the Camino Primitivo in Spain. I start my westward journey to Oviedo tomorrow but will be stopping twice to take in some sights. The adventure continues!
