To Aubergue Orrison

We are off!  We left St Jean Pied de Port at about 9:30 with our new friends from Indiana and trusting that our packs would follow to our destination at Auberge Orisson.  Shortly into the walk which was mostly uphill, we were joined by new friends from New Zealand, Britain and Brazil.

I give thanks that we didn't try to carry our packs today.  It was a tough enough slog getting up the hill.  I had to keep remembering what Nancy told me  about breathing in through my nose and out my mouth.  One step at a time, and up, up, up as our friend from Brazil kept saying.

The views on the way are spectacular with red-roofed and white-washed farms nestled into the hills and farms,  sheep and cows graze lazily and pay us no heed as we pass.  Extreemly tranquil.

We take a few breaks for water, fruit and chocolate, checking the map, Diana's pedometer and converting it to kilometers for our friends with my convertor app.

Oh yes, I can feel every muscle in my legs and butt- Anja, my trainer, would be proud of me.  One step, another step.  The poles clicking beside me.  I am glad I have them.  And glad to say again, that I am only carrying my fanny pack with water, lunch,tissues, my scarf,  ipad, money and Camino de Compestella passport.

Most of the way today is along a narrow asphalt road with a short section switchbacking up through a more wooded area.   The rhythm of the walk takes over and we are moving along a relatively flat part of the road when amazingly we appear at the Refuge Auberge Orisson!  This is our destination for the day and we are amazed that we've reached it so quickly!  It is only about 12:15!

Although many of our friends are pushing on to Roncevalles, the next town, it is a good time and place for us to stop for the day.  Pilgrims are spread out refilling water bottles from the fuente, or fountain, eating lunch on the deck overlooking the valley or lining up like us to make sure we have a reservation for the night.  As I approach the desk, I see our packs under the counter and send up a silent "thank you" to the heavens.  My burgandy pack has become my home and hasn't been in anyone else's hands but mine in a week.  I am elated to see it.  Yes, we have a reservation, dinner is at 6:30 and breakfast at 7 AM (French - style - continental, no eggs and bacon), and would we care to have a sandwich packed for tomorrow?

We say farewell to our new friends and are shown our room below the outdoor deck.  It is clean and inviting and has 5 bunk beds for 10, a toilet, two sinks and two showers.  We were given a token to start the shower with instructions that we have a 5 minute shower limit.  The shower is hot and feels good.  I am glad to get out of my sweat-soaked clothes and into something dry.  I do a little laundry and hang it out in the sun.  Fortunately, there is a slight breeze and it should dry quickly.

It is great to be out of my boots and all I can say is so far, so good!  I feel good and am glad that we have the afternoon to hang out, journal, read, chat with others and prepare mentally for tomorrow's walk.

We are about a third of the way to Roncevalles with another third of the walk a steep uphill climb, then a pretty steep decent.  I am glad to give my poor muscles a little time to rest and recover.

We've taken the higher route with it's more challenging trail for the views and because it is the traditional pilgrim route.  In the early days, pilgrims preferred it to the lower road that often harbored thieves and bandits. I am trying to imagine Charlemange and Napoleon bringing armies along this route and the many pilgrims who have gone before us.  They didn't have comfy beds and anyone to carry their packs.

It feels good to have actually started our walk after so much build up and expectation.  Even though Diana's pedometer says we did a little over 4 miles, it's a good beginning even if we have about 496 miles to go!

The evening meal was delicious and we got to meet more pilgrims from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, England, Canada, South Africa and the USA who each introduced themselves saying where they are walking and with whom over dessert.  It already feels like a community.   There are so many kindred spirits.  

Today's Angel Card was 'efficiency' and I think it must refer to my need to organize my pack  better so I can find what I need and not have to spread everything out like I had to today.  

A good first day.  Tired but happy.

My sister, Kate showed me some very cool Japanese markers that are shaped like brushes and I brought them as my only luxury thinking I might be able to do little drawings with the time in the afternoon and as I intend to slow down quite a bit, I assume I will be more observant.  Here is my first attempt - I know a number of accomplished artists are reading this blog, and I feel this is a pitiful first attempt - my excuse is that I've run out of colors - there was such a variety!