FIRST DAY OF THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO — Photo Contest
What follows is my submission to the World Nomads Photo Contest. What was asked for were five photos, and captions, from a place that “tell a story.” Not sure I have a chance at winning, but thought the photos and descriptions might be interesting to others, regardless.
The bridge leading out of St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France at the foot of the Pyrenees. This is the starting point just outside of Spain for the Camino de Santiago that will run nearly 800 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela near the Atlantic Ocean. The first day of the walk will be over the Pyrenees, to the high point of the Col de Lepoeder at 1450 meters above sea level, to reach the Spanish town of Roncesvalles on the other side.
Pilgrims leaving St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France, on the last leg of the French Chemin de St. Jacques and the first leg of the Spanish Camino de Santiago, pause a moment to look back at the valley before turning their attention to the difficult climb up to the Col de Lepoeder and into Spain.
Leaving France for Spain, the Camino de Santiago is frequently marked by blue and yellow markings affixed to fence posts, light poles, rocks and trees along the way. If pilgrims go too far without seeing any of these icons, then some backtracking might be involved. During this stage of the pilgrimage, red and white markings are seen as well, just so travelers never forget they are in Basque country.
Halfway to the heights of the Col de Lepoeder is the only “albergue” along this path to Roncesvalles. Passing it by to continue straight through to Roncesvalles and looking back, you can see the valley you’ve ascended from far below. Spain is not far away, now.
A few steps from the top of Col de Lepoeder, in the heights of the Spanish Pyrenees, a cross acting as route marker points your way forward to Santiago de Compostela, now roughly 775 kilometers away. After this, just for today, it’s all downhill from here.