Day 1 - St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson (10 km)

Though I'd decided to walk only to Orisson on this first day, I was up early and eager to start. After a huge breakfast of jambon, fromage, freshly baked bread, blackberry jam and v strong coffee, I strolled around the village, found a patisserie and made my way back to the pensione to collect my pack and poles, jambon and fromage baguette for lunch tucked under my arm. Are you sensing a pattern here? Walking a very long way is an excellent excuse for eating lots of great food!

By 11.45 I'm at Albergue Orisson, perched on side of the mountain with views magnifique. The distance is quoted as 8 miles or 12 kms though it didn't seem that far. The weather is perfect and I'm happy to rest a while. Though it's only been a little over two hours walking, it was steep and surely the hardest 2 hours I've done with a 10kg pack. Speaking of which I notice people walking with v small packs indeed. First I feel my efforts at traveling light have hardly been as successful as I imagined. But I soon realise that they have sent their luggage on and carrying daypacks. This option was mentioned at the pilgrim centre in SJPP but the thought of parting with my pack did not sit well. I feel connected to it already after months of preparation. All my possessions for the next 30 or so days are in that pack. It's my constant companion.

So here at Orisson well before noon and immediately I consider continuing on to Roncesvalles after all. Though the sun is strong, I feel I can make it. I decide to sit at Orisson for a short while and contemplate. It's so beautiful up here and I've already met an interesting couple whose company I can enjoy this afternoon and over dinner tonight. The Albergue is picturesque and welcoming. So why am I thinking of rushing on - and risking overdoing things on my very first day? I reflect it's likely only ego that's tempting me to continue on to Roncesvalles today when I could stay and enjoy this magical place. And, well rested, I am confident I will make up the time and distance in the coming days.

Decision made, I register at the Albergue, get my passport stamped, choose a bottom bunk bed in a lovely and bright 6-bed room overlooking the valley and begin what I imagine will be my late afternoon routine for the next month. I hit the shower - the token gives you 5 minutes - wash out my knickers and sock liners, and hang them in the sun to dry (the rest of my clothes from today will need to last a lot longer than a day before they'll be washed). Chores done, I head downstairs, and enjoy a coffee with Debbie and Geoff from North Carolina.

All in all, a great start to my Camino. J x

P.S. I took quite a few photos on my camera on the way up here today but haven't transferred them yet. Also took one of the view from Albergue Orisson using my iPad. I think I've uploaded it with this entry but I can't preview with this app, so maybe not.

P.P.S. You may be pleased to learn that I expect my blog entries will be much shorter from now on. I don't imagine I'll have as much time on my hands when full day walking begins tomorrow.