On the road again - First stop, Bayonne FR
It felt great to be moving this morning. Strapping the backpack on felt like a reunion with an old friend and along with the sticks in my hand, I felt normal again. As I walked through the quiet and darkened village to the train station, my companions were the familiar farm smells and above, a crescent moon, Orion and Cassiopeia all piercing through the cool mist. The 20 minute walk brought a smile to my face.
A handful of pilgrims waited for the 0630 train, each with their own story to tell when they return home. With my journey continuing, I will have much more to scribe over the next few weeks.
I arrived in Bayonne before sunrise and because I could not check into my Airbnb until noon, I wandered the streets of the old part of the city. The city was already alive with cafés, boulangeries and épiceries open and serving customers. Coffee and crepes were my first order of business as I watched the sun begin to light the cathedral and the rest of the city.
Bayonne is famous for festivals, ham and chocolate - stops at a couple of shops satisfied my desire for the latter two. After much more wandering I checked into my Airbnb and promptly departed for the bus stop for a journey to the seaside town of Biarritz.
Once again, lady luck was on my side and I met up with Rachel from Oregon. Even off the Camino trail our leapfrogging continues. She is taking a couple days of R&R in Biarritz and because seeing the Atlantic was high on my list, we decided to spend the afternoon sightseeing.
The weather was glorious with perfect temperatures, a light breeze and intermittent high clouds. We walked, talked, took pictures, watched dozens of surfers hone their skills, and had incredibly delicious tapas as we watched the sun set. It was a wonderful day of relaxation. We departed knowing that the chance encounters would no longer happen but very grateful for the opportunities we've had to foster our very good friendship. Rachel truly embodies the pilgrim spirit.
A quick bus ride back to Bayonne and I walked through surprisingly quiet streets for a Friday. It was a long day and I was happy to see my bed. More movement tomorrow.
