<p class="ql-block">May 19, 2025, sunny turning cloudy, 13-20°C. Day 32, Ostabat to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPDP), 22km, 325m ascent/-310m descent. </p><p class="ql-block">Today is the final day of the 749-kilometer Le Puy Route. The path was in good condition, the distance was short, the weather wasn’t hot, and the scenery was picturesque—a truly enjoyable day.
At 7:00 AM, accompanied by the sound of church bells, I left the gîte. At the 3km mark, I met Jacqueline. At the 10km mark, I met Matt. At 12:10 PM, we entered the historic town of SJPDP. Starting from Le Puy on April 18 and arriving at SJPDP on May 19, I completed 749 kilometers in 32 days.</p> <p class="ql-block">Morning, outside of the Gite.</p> <p class="ql-block">Leaving the village.</p> <p class="ql-block">The rising sun is wrapped in clouds.</p> <p class="ql-block">19.1 km to SJPDP.</p> <p class="ql-block">A pedestrian path alongside the road but separated by a low wall—very thoughtful.</p> <p class="ql-block">Picturesque scenery</p> <p class="ql-block">The roadside is a pasture, with a few cows leisurely grazing on the wide expanse of grass.</p> <p class="ql-block">Passed a village.</p> <p class="ql-block">A pony walked straight towards me.</p> <p class="ql-block">Cows at the foot of the Pyrenees.</p> <p class="ql-block">Matt has been imitating cow sounds along the way and has gotten quite good at it. Today, his mooing was so realistic it could fool anyone.</p> <p class="ql-block">Passing through Saint-Jean-Le-Vieux, 3.9 kilometers from the finish line. This is the Saint-Pierre Church, built in the 12th-13th century. It’s said to be a typical Basque region church. Unfortunately, we didn’t stop. The weather forecast predicted heavy rain this afternoon, and Matt wanted to reach SJPDP before it started.</p> <p class="ql-block">SJPDP is in the view.</p> <p class="ql-block">Finally arrived, took a photo at the city gate. It was still early, so I had lunch with Matt, and of course, we had beer.</p> <p class="ql-block">This time, the soles of my shoes were badly worn.</p> <p class="ql-block">Beautiful SJPDP。</p> <p class="ql-block">I contacted the small gîte I stayed at in late August 2024, but unfortunately, there were no beds available. I reached out to a few other gîtes, but none responded. I saw on Booking that Izaxulo looked good, so I’m staying here today. This is the view from the . The room has two bunk beds. Besides me, the other three women are all starting the Camino Francés tomorrow.</p><p class="ql-block">Around 3 PM, I got a text from Mona. She arrived too and is staying at a gîte. Her knee is hurting, and she plans to rest well. I went to see her and left her my patella strap, hoping it’ll help.</p><p class="ql-block">On July 6, I received a text from Mona. She had reached Santiago. Starting from SJPDP, it took her 46 days. She had a tendon issue in one foot, but even so, she was happy.</p> <p class="ql-block">Next morning. The view outside my .</p> <p class="ql-block">The next morning, I had breakfast at the gîte and met some fellow pilgrims about to start the Camino Francés. They were all first-time pilgrims on the Camino. When they heard I had walked the Camino Francés before, they asked a lot of questions. Several of them hoped I could join them on the journey. They said, “Stay, walk with us!” How I wished I could! If I weren’t worried about something unexpected affecting my Mont Blanc circuit trip in July, I would definitely cross the Pyrenees again. Last time, I missed a lot because of crossing the mountains in heavy rain.</p> <p class="ql-block">After breakfast, I walked towards the train station.</p> <p class="ql-block">Reluctantly leaving. SJPDP, I will return.</p><p class="ql-block">Closing Words
</p><p class="ql-block">Walking the Camino opened a door. From here, I gained freedom and confidence. I met people of different ages and backgrounds. The experience helped me to become more open-minded and understanding of others.
I treasure my experiences on the Camino. Writing them down helps me not to forget. I hope my journey can also inspire friends who are interested in the Camino.</p><p class="ql-block"></p>