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<P>>From: Elyn Aviva <TAJMINAaAOL.COM></P>
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<P>>Reply-To: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU></P>
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<P>>To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU </P>
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<P>>Subject: Re: Lourdes </P>
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<P>>Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2002 08:51:47 EST </P>
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<P>>How far is it from Lourdes to St. Jean (or Somport) on hiking/pilgrimage trails? </P>
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<P>>Elyn </P>
<P>I found the question intriguing and tried to find some guide books but have not located them yet. Based on the map I have at hand, the distances are not far in either direction, and staying in France one could make the walk in a few days. If a pilgrim should decide to begin at Lourdes, it would be best to keep to the lowland routes toward Pau-Oloron (for Somport) or St. Jean. Once into the mountains, the country is very rugged. The GR11, following the spine of the Pyrenees, is one of the world's great mountain treks, but it is not an easy walk and is best suited for experienced walkers. When I have a little time, I shall dredge through my hiking books for the region and see if I can give a more exact answer.<BR><BR></P></DIV>
<DIV>E. O. Pederson</DIV>
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<DIV>Seattle, WA</DIV>
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