April 14 - Day 1

Day 1 St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson - 8 km

We were awoken to some kind of chanting music this morning. Breakfast, then a big hug from Joseph (our host), and we were on our way.

No rush today since we were just going 8 km (perpendicular, as Penny pointed out). Actually it was a very steep climb to Orisson Refuge, and took us a bit over 2 hours. During our trek we saw lots of sheep on hills, some ponies, and majestic Griffon vultures soaring over the valleys. We met two boys who had been fishing. They didn’t catch any fish, but seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

Luckily we had a nice day with sun and a bit of cloud. We actually had to take off some layers of clothes. Once we got to Orisson we had lunch and a beer - we earned it. After checking in to our room (of six beds), we had a shower and washed our clothes. Then some coffee and cider on the patio - what a view! We are so high in the Pyrenees mountains it feels like we are at the top, except we know that we have more climbing tomorrow.

This albergue also includes dinner and breakfast. Nowhere else to eat so that’s good.

Dinner was wonderful - soup, pork, beans, vegetables, bread, wine. Lots of wine. Simple but excellent. And such good company. My daughter Rachel and I are doing the Camino together, which is great, but there is also a Grandfather doing it with his son and his 9 year old granddaughter. While she was training she did a 10 mile hike up a mountain and then 200 push-ups! What a girl!!

Lesson for today: remember to look up and enjoy the scenery, but watch your footing as well.

Lunch - sandwich and 2 beer 10 Euro

Sangria 3 E

Albergue - 36 E