Today was 13 miles, bringing our total to 402 miles walked. Okay, today was 12.53 miles, but we always round to the nearest mile.

Based on our estimates, we have 90 to 95 miles left before St. Jean Pied de Port. Although our plan had been to keep going for an additional 40 miles to Pamplona, that may be a pipe dream, given Diane’s shins.

Whereas yesterday we covered about 10 feet before Diane was in pain, today we made several miles before the pain became strong, but manageable. After 13 miles (okay, 12.53), Diane was still operating in control … the pain was manageable. She is icing now. We have two shorter days, tomorrow and the next, so there is a chance for some recovery.

Within a mile of our start, we crossed the river Adour.

This river eventually flows out to the Atlantic, like the Garonne.

The village of Aire sur l’Adour (on the Adour) was quite nice, and had one of the more unique Camino signs. No scallops for them! They go for the arrows! 

While we had the opportunity to enjoy several nice water scenes, like this lake, 

and this steam, 

most of today’s journey was across open farmland. 

Okay, Pardon? Here’s the deal:  For nearly 350 miles, we heard no American accents. The only native English speakers we’ve met were Australians (the Brits don’t seem to come here, at least to hike. There are many British retirees living in the south of France).

About 4 days ago, we ran into an American couple, then another, then an American traveling with a French woman. At our Chambre d’hotes last night, the proprietor said she had 5 Americans at her place the previous night. Wow! There are Americans walking the Chemin!

So, we Yanks are here. Our reputation seems good among the French (all politics aside).  Most really just enjoy talking with an American (as we certainly enjoy talking with the French ).

Au Revoir!