THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 11

16 May - TWO VERY EMOTIONAL PILGRIMS

Paul and Ben cycled into Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 2.30pm. Having stabilised their emotions, they telephoned me at 3pm and re-iterated that no photographs, no dialogue and not one person could ever portray or describe the atmosphere, the inspiration, the unity of every single person on the route or the feeling of 'spirituality' that this journey gives so freely and unconditionally to all it's Pilgrims.

36 miles were cycled today and all in the foothills of the majestic, snow-covered Pyrenees. An exhilerating day's pedalling during which our pedallers were in awe of a tiny lady (Far Eastern descent) who had commenced her Pilgrimage in Lausanne. At the very most she was 5' tall and their estimation was that she most probably weighed, if lucky, 6.5st. She carried a plastic bucket, containing a large lemonade bottle and a loaf of bread, and a backpack. Her walking speed was such that our pedallers were in big danger of being humiliated and losing their pride by this gutsy lady actually overtaking them. A woman striding out on a very big mission - I admire her.

Ben and Paul entered Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by the gate through which millions of Pilgrims have passed since the advent of the original Pilgrimage, leading on to the original cobbled road of the Pilgrimage - Rue de Citadelle. They are staying in one of the old houses in the town - Basque-style architecture with ornate wooden overhangs at roof level (balconies). Our boys are completely enthralled with the town and everything therein.
If possible, Paul will email me some photographs but photographs can wait. It would almost be a disappointment and a sacrilege if modern technology (wi-fi) had entered this place. Ben and Paul will savour every moment of this day - one of the days for which they have striven with such tenacity and determination.
Bless them

Jenny