Day 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson

Beginnings are always fun, exciting and a little terrifying. I had butterflies in my stomach as we set out this morning. The walk was short, just 8km/5 miles but we were concerned the longer distances in the mountains especially at this early stage would be too much and we didn’t want our Camino to be over before it had barely started. 

The route followed mostly a very steep country road but we took our time and enjoyed meeting people and taking in the mist shrouded views along the way. Everyone was excited and enthusiastic to be finally walking after months of planning and dreaming we were finally walking. 
Our stop for the night is the Refugio Orrison (hostel) it is great and though the shower didn’t quite hit the spot it was warm enough to put some heat into our bones, the hot soup they serve in the cafe downstairs took care of the rest. We are sharing a dormitory with two American ladies from Florida and an English couple, dorm life is taking a bit of getting used to but I suspect I can hold my own when it comes to snoring, so I’ll be fine!

Tomorrow we will continue our climb to the peak (Col Lepeoder) at 1,450m and then the steep descent into Roncesvalles, Spain.