Day 1 on the Camino … Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port, France ---> Roncesvalles 27km, 16.77miles
This was the first day so I had no expectations as to what the day would really entail. This hike was 7 hours long. I met an American man on the bus ride from Pamplona to Saint Jean, France that was also starting the camino and we chatted the whole way there. Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the quaint little town of Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port and couldn't stop smiling. Hearing French among the hostels and walking over the little cobble stones bridges over running water was simply surreal. I can't emphasize enough to others how significant it is to start the Camino here in France rather than in Spain. It's a difficult day of hiking with a lot of incline but the reward throughout the journey is magnificent. The views and the scenery is worth every drop of sweat and hard work. :) We literally hiked over the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain spectating undescribible landscapes and wildlife.
I lost Mike the first day because I charged ahead and his pack was GIGANTIC so I think he had to adjust to having that much weight on his shoulders. I had a small school size north face backpack and almost everyone was astounded by the size of mine. (They were preparing to do the Camino for 30-40 days however and I was doing it for 5) I met Betinna, from Germany in the Alburgue the night before and we walked together for a large portion of the day but mostly I had the company of Paolo, from Italy during the day. We charged the uphill like there was no tomorrow! He was my speed buddy. We passed a lot of people, but Betinna caught up to us on the downhill and we made the next village of Roncesvalles, Spain by 3:30. We made our way to find some food and got to rest our feet. :)
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