Constance’s Camino
Ten years ago, Hitty Constance and I went on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, we planned to walk the 800 km on the Camino Frances route starting in St Jean-Pied-de-Port. This week I am revisiting some of the pictures I took on that trip – it took place a year or so before I started regular Quimper Hitty Storytelling.
I was outfitted with 21st century equipment (down sleeping bag, light weight backpack, easily washed clothing etc.), but I dressed Constance as a Meidieval Pilgrim, like the ones who walked the Camino in the 12th or 13th century. I hope you enjoy this little adventure into our shared memories.
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Medieval Ensemble
Constance’s ensemble included: bias cut yellow hose; linsey-woolsey shift; linen over-tunic; a silk ceinture-fleche belt (made for Constance by a friend); white linen wimple; felt hat with scallop shell; and over all a plain brown cloak (embroidered while on the trail). She carried a leather scrip with St Christopher medal, and a walking stick, and I made a small leather-bound journal for her (which I carried!)
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Hitty Constance meets some fellow pilgrims in St Jean Pied de Port
Hitty Constance met some fellow pilgrims in St Jean Pied de Port…
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Route Napoleon
…she mostly rode in my pocket, but hopped out to see the spectacular views as we climbed up the Pyrenees…
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Snow on the Summit
…skirted the last of the winter snow as we hiked through the woods near the summit…
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Zubiri
…admired the old stone bridgea at Zubiri…
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Past Pamplona
…after Pamplona, she hiked across the plain…
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Zariquiegui
…and stopped in Zariquiegui when we took a break. We took many rests for the sake of our muscles and feet, and to drink water, eat oranges and chocolate! Constance was always glad to get out to look around, especially as she was obliged to share the pocket with the très jolie mouchoir that I bought in St Jean. This picture was taken on the fourth day of walking…there were more than 700 km to go at this point – stay tuned!
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Quimper Hittys 
Glorious 🤩
It is great to revisit the Camino, I really enjoy looking at the pictures again and remembering the walk!
Ahhhhh! For those of us who haven’t walked the Chemin, this is very enlightening! Thank you for taking us along and setting the mood with the breathtaking views! Also, congrats on her pilgrim’s ensemble…I bet Constance made friends along the way…Mamie believes this shaped the young one’s endearing personality.
I think it is true that walking the Chemin is both unforgettable and transformative – we learned things in a focused and intense way through the experience.
It must have been a spectacular journey. Thanks for letting us re-visit this awesome time with you and Constance.
There were definitely moments, sometimes when we least expected it, when we caught our breath in awe!
An amazing trek! Constance’s Pilgrim garb is wonderful. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks! We thought she might as well dress the part, as she is very small, and her entire equipage fit inside my pocket!
Thank you so much for this wonderful glimpse of your great journey! Constance’s pilgrimage clothing is truly delightful and the photos of the countryside are spectacular. Awe inspiring! Brava! You make the world a better place.
You are very welcome, we are glad to share our memories and our photos…and thank you 🙏🏼.
We watched the movie The Way about the Camino . Your experience is fascinating. Looking forward to more installments. Also want to comment on Constance and her wonderful ensemble. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Constance says thanks so much for your kind comments- we would like to see the movie too, have heard good things about it. It would be interesting to see the Camino through someone else’s eyes!
This is so much fun. It’s fun to travel vicariously or I wouldn’t see these wonderful places you take us too. Constance looks authentic in her pilgrim clothes. Quimper human, you are a marvel to behold.
I know I speak for many when I say how grateful I am that you started this blog. Meeting your Hitty’s, family, and the adventures you take us on is truly one of a kind…but best of all…is in getting to know you. You are kind and generous in spirit and you make this world a better place to live in. Love Ya.
I have been very fortunate in my life and experience and I think part of my expression of gratitude is to share, in whatever tiny ways I can. Thank you too! 🙏🏼
thank you for taking us along on this journey of memories. Happy you were equipped in 21st Century gear but Constance does look wonderful in her authentic ensemble.
You are welcome! Constance says that Medieval pilgrim clothing is actually extremely comfortable and sensible. In fact, she is trying to convince me to make some human scale bias cut hose.
Great journey… and walking too…. Loved so much, Thank you, Love, nia
Thank you Nia, it was a journey to remember…and very nice to share it with you.
What a wonderful way to commemorate your Camino, my mom and I did one in 2019. I love the little book with your pilgrim stamps!
Thanks! Constance had to have her own Camino passport! It is a good memento.