Hello again from Punxsutawney, PA St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France.

At the end of last night, my mom and I debated shipping the bag ahead to Pamplona and walking with what I have. I packed so that I could take off if I wanted, but had a text message from mom waiting for me advising me to wait if out.

I went to the same store I went to the last the days, and the nice gentleman told me his wife runs their other storefront in town, and grew up in Quebec, therefore speaking better English.

She was just as nice, and helped me pick a new bag to replace my Phillies “hobo” bag. The new bag weighs 2 ounces and can roll up to the size of a pack of gum.

When I asked her for a suggestion on where to stay, she said I really should go to an albergue to save money at this point. Unfortunately, none of them open until 3 PM, so I had a few hours to kill. I went down a side path to a little park where I could sit by the river and write a little for the blog.

I eventually checked in the municipal allergies, and was finally able to wash my clothes. Meanwhile, mom finally learned the bag made it to Paris. The operator said it would be delivered today, but that didn’t pan out. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I think I’ll be here until at least Monday.