After two great days in Pamplona, it was time to catch the afternoon bus to St Jean Pied de Port, France. The bus station turned out to be an international hub, meeting an 80 year old German man walking the camino for the third time (he and his mother and brother had escaped East Berlin at night through the forest when he was four), a young man who had spent the last five years visiting 55 countries with nothing more than what he carried on his back, and a lady who like Becky grew up in New Orleans.

Once on board, we marveled at the drivers skill as he navigated the narrow road as it wound through the mountains. It was nice to be able to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Especially glad I was not trying to pull Rola Lola on this road.

We arrived in St Jean late afternoon and settled in at the Albergue with a glass of wine and prepping our half of the room.

At 7:30 dinner started with an hour of talk and games to get everyone acquainted with our hosts Flora and Joseph interpreting between French, English, and Spanish so all felt included. A lot of fun and the four course vegetarian meal was delicious.

After dinner it was time to retire for the night with our new friends from Holland, Franz and Rene. Becky said it was like sleeping with a den of bears, but I didn’t notice. So after a good nights sleep, at least for one of us, it was time to begin the hike.

The hike was steep, just shy of six miles, and BEAUTIFUL. And another day of meeting a host of interesting people along the way

We arrived in Orisson and were able to upgrade to the only stand alone cabin. Becky deserved a shot at a good nights sleep.

So tomorrow begins with another steep climb followed by a steep descent to Roncesvalles.