St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson

Thursday 28 April 2016 - Day 1

St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson - 8 km

Today was day 1 of walking. Jet lag saw Kay and I awake early. Her foot was looking very puffy and quite bruised but she seemed a little more mobile (maybe some wishful thinking) and had a little less pain. Istvan and Barbara provided a lovely breakfast before we were piled into the car for the scenic drive into France, to our Camino starting point at St Jean Pied de Port. This is where Beate, Elvira and I waved goodbye to Kay. She decided to stay at Corazon Puro for a second night, after an afternoon visit to the hospital in Pamplona.

St Jean is a beautiful town, especially the old area of Rue Citadel. The walk down this narrow cobbled thoroughfare was interesting due to the age of the buildings, the flowering wisterias and the prevalence of folk in backpacks.Would probably have enjoyed a day here to explore.

We found the Pilgrim Office. Beate, Elvira and I were very lucky with our timing, as we waltzed straight in and were seen to by a lovely man. Only few minutes later the room was suddenly full of walkers...we think the bus had just arrived. I was very excited to get the first sellos/ stamp in my pilgrim credentials. After a coffee for the girls and the purchase of a few pieces of fruit, we were away about 10.30.

The walk out of town and into the Pyrennes, via the route Napoleon, was breathtaking in both in scenery and physical exertion. Our group of three separated as we all wanted to walk at our own pace. The road varied from incredibly steep, to not quite so incredibly steep, to pretty steep, with a rare not quite so steep bit. Saw others along the way, but the road was certainly not thronged with pilgrims.

I stopped for lunch with June and Joe, a couple from the north of England. We had an amazing spot with a sensational view. After stripping down, surprisingly, to shorts and merino t-shirt for the climb, I needed to rug up quickly as the breeze was super cold.

After my break I started to plod a bit as the steep slope was relentless. I stopped to attend to a rub spot on the inside of my left heel... best to nip any possible blisters in the bud. Loved seeing a guy lying flat out on his back, beside the road, in a field of flowers. Only a short day, but very happy to see my accommodation come into view.

Arrived in Orisson nice and early. This is a small private albergue and bookings are required. It was very chilly in the muli-bunk room we were sent to... hoping for a bit of heating tonight. Had showers, using a token for 5 mins of lukewarm water. Really had to rug up as the temperature dropped quickly once the glorious sun disappeared behind clouds. Everyone in the bar/restaurant chatting and having a drink in the warmth.