Headed out very early this morning, breaky and a coffee then on my way. A 500m climb over 5km awaits .... it takes just under 2 hours to make the top then its 20 odd km down to St Jean Pied de Port.
I'm about 4 hours into my walk before I come across people coming towards me ... the initial pilgrims are fit and experienced walkers, as I progress, the walkers become more stressed, foot sore and down right exhausted looking. By midday I am at Orrison, I take a break and enjoy lunch and a beer, Pilgrims are still staggering up the hill ..... quite a few wont get past this point on the first day ..... 8km out of St Jean. About 1pm I head of down hill its steep here and take it cautiously as don't want any knee problems. As i head down there are still people staggering up or resting and getting there strength back .... its about 3.30pm when I walk into St Jean. i find somewhere to stay and clean up its been hot today even in the mountains .... its high 20's here today. All clean, but a tad used looking I have a look around town ..... there are all these new pilgrims gathering to set off in the morning, bright and shiny in there new clobber ..... pore buggers, its going to be 33C or there abouts tomorrow. I share a meal with some American Pilgrims ..... I suggest they put off leaving for a day or 2 ..... no they will leave in the morning. I suggest maybe only walk to Orrison, no, they expect to go all the way to Roncesvalles ..... I wish them well.
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