Day 34 - Back to the beginning (Ostabat a Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 26 km)
Today I walked into Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP) and finished the Le Puy Camino, also called the Via Podiensis, which is about 750 km through the incredible French countryside. Over two years ago, I arrived by train to this town not knowing what was in store for me as I started the Camino Frances. I had mixed feelings today. The memories of my first incredible life-changing adventure flooded my thoughts while I also pondered the varied situations in this last journey. But back to this morning….
After some heavy rain and thunderstorms in the middle of the night, Pierre left very early as he had to attend to some business in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP) before they closed. Rachel and I were on the road before 0700 which required headlamps and shortly after our departure, the rain began. Fortunately it did not last too long and by the time the sun came up we no longer required our rain jackets.
The walk was uneventful however the incredibly scenic French countryside did not disappoint. The colours, smells and animals were beautiful once again.
It was an absolute pleasure for me to arrive in SJPP. The memories of my first adventure, familiar sights and locations of the town, and most impactful to me, the sight of so many pilgrims brought joy to my heart. After getting cleaned up, I sat outside the gîte and watched the pilgrims arrive, easily identifying the weathered, stinky ones who had just walked a few hundred kilometres and the newbies who wore clean clothes, were not limping, and who bore both excitement and apprehension in their eyes. Each and every one of them was beautiful.
Tonight I had a wonderful dinner with the family with whom I spent so much time over that last month. We told stories, laughed and enjoyed our last supper together. Some will continue along the Camino Frances tomorrow or the next day, some will take a different path, and some will stop here. In addition to the ones present tonight, there are so many who I encountered on this journey who have brought lessons and joy to my life. I will miss each and every one of them.
I am extremely grateful for this journey for I have learned so much. I hope to return to this beautiful country later to spend more time enjoying the natural beauty of the land and the generous spirit of the people. The Via Podiensis may be completed for me but I have more to ponder and to do before returning home.
