In talking with some English speaking Germans at our Albergue this morning regarding the very scary trek we were about to undertake, we learned that, indeed it was dangerous. To the point that these clearly seasoned hikers were going to take a bus to get beyond the most treacherous part. This day we were to cross over the Pyrenees. They also said that this day's hike would be much harder than the last two days, which were a definite challenge for both of us.
Oh, and did I mention that our German friend talked about the bears, and hunters that were in the area? G and I had already heard gunshots.
So after some soul searching, we decided to take the bus to Canfranc, our next destination. After a somewhat terrifying, but unbelievably beautiful bus trip, we arrived at Canfranc around 10:45 this morning. What a beautiful town!
We checked in to our albergue, got some much needed maps from the tourist central place, showered and went to Mass. I received my first communion since our trip began. I have a card explaining what I need, our Spanish tutor translated an explanation about the gluten free host. and it worked beautifully. The priest made us think of Fr. Ben.
We have had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. The weather is beautiful. We even, as you can see, had a wine and Gretchen had a beer and Lays potato chips around 3:30 . This was after we went for a walk to locate our next set of markers, which we found all by ourselves, so we are good to go tomorrow. Supposedly we will going back into the foothills of the Pyrenees. I suspect there will still be some tough terrain, but it will be improving by the day.
We are in true Camino country now where true Perrigrinos abound.
I would love to see pictures of your room in the hostel sometime. Have you been using your scarves? How is your gear working out? Do you have enough stuff or too much? After all the prep work, I’m interested to hear if it worked like you planned? 😊
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you took the bus! Bears! oh boy! Wine beer and chips, can't get any better than that. Miss you guys, a lot. be careful, enjoy and have fun! Kathy
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DeleteThe hostels are each very different. Some super simple, others really like a hotel only with more beds. Our beds are mostly wood framed with a mattress. There are pillows and an extra blanket, and they provide you with a clean, ironed pillow case and bottom sheet. Then we put our sleeping bags on top of that. Tonight we are in a room with two sets of bunk beds. I am on the top, Gretchen on the bottom in case a late arrival comes. But at this point, it looks like we are in our own room. As we get closer to the French way that will likely change.Will make a point of getting a picture posted. Too late tonight. We go to bed early as we have an early start. Most pilgrims must be out of albergue by 8, 8:30.
ReplyDeleteOur gear is working out beautifully. Our shoes are perfect. We would be in big trouble without our walking sticks. Our water containers carry enough that overall we have plenty, and with all the fountain with fresh water flowing, it is easier to refill.
Too say we have enough clothes/gear is probably inaccurae. We struggle to clean our clothes and even more with drying them, but we are manipulating which outfit to wear according to the requirements. So far we have done pretty well.
Our biggest problem has not been so much with material needs as it is knowing where to go. The markers were very bad up to before yesterday. We are encouraged with their more frequent visibility. But, we definitely should have invested more time I to locational knowledge of France.
Hola amigas, Saludos de Monsie
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it to España. Vayan con Dios!
I am so happy to hear that you are taking the bus and not trying to deal with the super rough terrain!! ::::clink:::::
ReplyDeleteGreetings from France's next door neighbor ( Belgium)Your trek is amazing! And so are you two! Much love, John and Darci
ReplyDeleteSo happy you took the advice offered and took the bus to the next stop. Be careful in the foothills - sounds like you are prepared for this next trek. Wonderful photo of what looks to be a great little snack spot!!
ReplyDeletePam and Teddy
YAY! So glad you are in Spain! It was a good decision to take the bus, I was worried for you. I had heard that part was treacherous. It is an adventure everyday trying to find your place, meeting people, finding the church and food! :) Debbie
ReplyDeleteLooking Good Donna
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