On!

  After having the night to think it over; I have decided to continue on hopefully to Santiago. Tomorrow is a BIG step. Out of St. Jean; you climb up to a Pyranees pass that was used by Napoleon and Rolland in past times. The road and then the trail climbs up about 4,000 ft in about  12 miles. It doesn't let up except for a short flat about 7 miles in and then up to the pass summit and steeply down the other side to Roncesvalles on the other side. I'm going to do it with Helmut who I've been riding with the past few days. 

  The weather is supposed to be good which is super important as conditions can change quickly in the pass. Last time I did it some of you remember my scary time sliding down a snow bank. I don't think there is any snow in the pass now and expected good weather should make it just a tough day and a workout. Thanks in advance for your good thoughts. I'm so fortunate to be here doing this. I have had a bit more numbing and pain in my right hand, but seems to be holding its own and a nights rest seems to recover the day before. 

  Helmut and talked a bit about how we kind of rushed the past few days just riding the roads and riding most of the day. For me, quite frankly I wanted to be here so I don't feel like I missed that much, but the Camino experience and a pilgrimage is all about time to reflect and connect with place and people. I want to be much more aware of this from here on. 

  I took time today to prepare myself for the upcoming journey, getting my bike tuned up, doing laundry, sorting through what to take and what to ship forward to Santiago. Bike is almost embarrassing clean, laundry is done, I'm having dinner at the place I had it before my last Camino, a bit nervous but I know I have done this before and know I have trust that I can do it again. 

Buen Camino

Bon Route

Bon Nuit

Dave

Saint Jean

Shadow of my former self

Pilgrim dinner

Way to the pass