September 15, 2022. Today we are diving deeper into traditional Basque language and culture as we get further from the big city of San Sebastián. Because of no rooms available further ahead in Deba, and also due to new blisters appearing on Alice’s feet, we elected for a short 10 km day to the beautiful …
We arose before dawn at 630 and packed up. A little bar, Bar Luis, was open since 6 am. What’s called a bar here is similar to the US, but much broader. It exists for modest priced casual fare and any kind of drink at all hours of the day. It’s often the place people …
September 13, 2022 Today a much deserved rest day after a very heavy day of mountain hiking over the Jaizkibel mountain. In the morning we found a cute little cafe with strong coffee and some types of bread, which is the normal breakfast here. Afterwards we walked and found the post office. We sent back …
September 12, 2022 We were up before sunrise hoping to beat the 95 degree heat predicted for today, and the afternoon thunderstorms. After a good breakfast at the Alcazar Hotel in Irun, we headed out, guided by GPS and the Norte app. As we walked through Irun, it was waking up, with bakeries already opening …
We start the Camino by conquering Jaizkibel mountain Read More »
September 11, 2022 On our last day in Poitiers, we met an old friend, Amadine, who we knew from salsa dancing. She is a PhD doctor of brain science who moved back to France after several years in the US. We were excited to hear that her degenerative brain disease model is looking very positive …
Saturday, September 10, 2022. My mind could not help but turn to Peter Mayle’s ”A Year in Provence” as I approached the central market in Notre Dame market square in central Poitiers on this Saturday market day. The tables were set up with all manner of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and seafood. People …
September 9, 2022. We caught up on our sleep, but still were up in time to walk to meet out bike tour guide, Eric, at 9 am, who was waiting for us along the promenade alongside the Clain river. Our bikes were just right and we headed off to get to know the city. First …
Our worries of a tight connection through Paris to get to the city of Poitiers turned out to be unfounded. Customs and immigration in France seems to be a big yawn for tourists arriving by plane. Trains thought town have good connections to the subway and … everything works. With two hours of sleep on …
On a cool cloudy September day, we took one last 6 mile hike our favorite local haunt— North Ottawa Dunes Park. After a cool rainy spell everything was green and the mushrooms were in profusion. Despite our late arrival, it was quiet without a breeze. The spongy pine needles beneath the feet and the leaden …
Last training hike before the Camino August 29, 2022. I was up early, at 5:30 am, both a remnant habit from my work life, and a part of walking the Camino where it’s essential to start at or before sunrise in order to beat the midday heat. I was also fully packed, just as would …
