Day 1 - St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles

I’ll add some words later but here is the beauty we saw walking over the mountains. 

And here are those words....

We started before dawn walking through St Jean in the near dark. From then on we were walking up hill. 25km of uphill and steep up hill. But wow what scenery! Getting above the mist/cloud that filled the valleys was thrilling. 

Second breakfast at 10am was a bassk cake and coffee at Orisson, which was lovely. Then more up and up. 

As with any mountain every turn brought more views and more path heading up. We stopped for lunch almost at the top and looked down on the Griffon Vultures circling below. 

The final 10k heading down really hurt but there was a beer, good and a bed in the monetary awaiting. Wonderful day. 

It’ll take 3-4 mins to watch but here’s a selection of photos from day 1. 

First night in St Jean Pied De Port

We arrived around 7pm. Visited the Pilgrim office checked into the hostel. Walked round the town and ate a steak. Great start! Tomorrow we start walking and it’s a tough walk. 

Go in peace glorifying the lord by your life

The final words of the Mass are the deacons. I get to send the congregation out to do God’s work. Today as Jim and I leave the church we are off on a big adventure for God and our faith and the words of the sending stay in my head “Go in peace glorifying the lord by your life”

Thanks to everyone at OLOL and all the parishes for your prayers and best wishes. 

So we have started - St Jean Pied de Port

The day started with a Good Samaritan story I won’t write here. Then a short conversation with the police. Late to Mass. Then it calmed down. Said goodbye to Gail. An easy flight. A lovely drive. And by 7:30pm we walk into St Jean Pied de Port. The start of our Camino. 

My foot next to Jim foot. The furst step of many. 

After a good meal we head for bed. 30k and 1500m climb await us tomorrow. Bein Camino!

Packing - here what’s in the rucksack

It not easy to finish packing. I find myself second guessing about what take take and what to take out. Do I really need a fleece? What about my kindle? And should I take that lovely umbrella hat Craig got me. 

Well near enough this is what made it to the rucksack.