Getting to St. Jean Port de Pied

April 27, 2015

"The Basics" - getting to St. Jean for the start.

Atlanta --> Miami --> Madrid --> Pamplona --> St. Jean Port De Pied (arr 6:30 pm)

Left Atlanta at 6:45 pm and everything went smoothly, arriving in Pamplona at 5:30 pm the next day. We were really tired at that point. Stepped right into a taxi for the 1 hour "flight" over the mountains and winding hairpin curves at breakneck speed. I had been forewarned about the taxi ride, and definitely was not disappointed. Our taxi driver spoke very little English, but gregariously engaged in conversation, pointing out highlights and telling us about the area - I think. It was a beautiful evening and we were able to just drink in the views along the way. I was impressed by how lush and green everything was. Temperatures in the 70's. Perfect. 

Donna had made a reservation at Hotel Ramuntcho, a quaint little hotel next to the street leading out of town that starts the Camino. We perked up enough to walk to the Pilgrim's office and buy our "credentials". This is essentially your passport as a pilgrim on the Camino. At each official stop, it is stamped to show that you completed that phase. Donna got me a scallop shell for my backpack. The symbol of the Camino. 

We also got directions to the start of the walk out of St. Jean so we would not get lost in the morning, and checked it out. 

Next, we scoped out a lovely little French restaurant for dinner. Ate in a quiet courtyard, and had the pilgrim's menu of roasted chicken, vegetables and salad, with an apple crumb cake for dessert. It was superb. The temperature was mild and sunny, clear skies at 8 pm. At pretty much every restaurant along the way, they offer a pilgrim's menu of some sort. 

Returned to the hotel totally exhausted, but extremely satisfied, and excited about getting started tomorrow. Briefly Skyed with Mom, George and LaDonna, to let them know we arrived safely.