St. Jean Pied de Port

Hello Folks: Yesterday afternoon I reached St. Jean Pied de Port, the last stage of the routes travelling through France. Fter not seeing many pilgrims at all for the past several weeks, suddenly it was like arriving at the Grand Central Station for pilgrims. Pilgrims form all the various routes were converging into the town either ending their French journey to begin theri Spanish journey, others others just beginning to follow the Camino Frances. There were a few like myself who would not be continuing on to Compostella, but planning to continue at a future date. It has been a most amazing journey of spiritual and physical challenge. I will rest and visit the town today before heading out this afternoon to begin my journey back to the states. St. Jean Pied de Port is an incredible city on a hill souronded by an ancient wall and offers incredible views of the Basque region. I have met people from various regions of the world, and last night had the fun time of manuevering between three langauges as I ate with a Canadian couple and a gentleman from Spain. He spoke Spanish and French, and thye sppoke only English! It was quite interesting as my brain tried to adjust from French to Spanish and translate into English! I have truly enjoyed this journey and wish that I could continue on to Compostella at this time, however the year's wait will afford me the time to prepare for a very different cultural experience as well as make adjustments in my gear. I've learned a lot about long distance hiking that will serve me well next year, and I have learned a lot about myself that I hope will serve me well for a lifetime. Well the Pilgrim accueil is gracious enough to provide internet access for us, but ask tht we not spend more than 15 minutes, so I must say "a bientot," unitl I see you in the states. Many thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement. Blessings and Peace, Marcelle