We finally arrived in St. Jean de Port after quite a journey. A seven hour flight to Madrid followed by a 5 hour drive to Pamplona where we spent the night. The next morning a two hour taxi ride took us to France and our room at MAISON Simonenia. St. JOHN pied de port is a quaint little village that is the start of the Camino and more importantly the registration office for all the Pilgrims. It is here that you receive a booklet that gets stamped along the way proving your journey and the rights to a certificate called  the Compostela. After picture taking and an early dinner we retired for the night even though an early morning start was not important as we would only be walking 5.5 miles to Borda a small hostel accommodating only 16 people. 

Saturday August 24

The walk begins with a steep climb that continues for most of the day. The views are astounding. Looking down on the village you just left an hour or so ago and the farms along the way with the mountains in the background.Each of us are strangers but as you pass and are passed by pilgrims you say “Buen Camino” which means “good walk”. Exchanging names and small conversations including where you are from and why you might be walking, or where are you headed for the night.

There were no clouds in the sky as we walked along with little or no shade. This days stop was only three hours away so there was no need to hurry. So stopping at Albergue Orrison for a much needed cool drink was a must as the relentless sun and wind had taken its toll on our bodies. Here was opportunity for more  conversations and encouragement for those that might be struggling. It is quite a test on the first day with another climb tomorrow. 

 Heading onward yet still upward we finally arrive at Borda, an auberge which once was a shepherds farm. Laurence, a French chef and the owner had hiked the Camino several times and wanted to provide a nice rest and meal for future pilgrims. A fantastic dinner was provided and a great start to our Camino by giving each of us an opportunity to introduce ourselves and state why we want do this or what led us to the Camino. Instantly we have 14 new friends! It started raining before supper and looks to continue all day tomorrow and even worse the temperature is predicted to be 48 in the morning with highs in the 50’s. Tomorrow we cross the border to Spain.

The journey continues…