1st Day Walking

Today I began my ascending walk from St. Jean de Pied de Port.  Weather was not the cooperating with the first etapa...cloudy, rainy, cold and foggy at 7:30am. 

 The walk was not as difficult as I thought or was told. Definitely ascending 790 meters is not an easy task but as long as you took your time and rested every once in a while. The rain did not help at all.  So much for the water proof jacket and water resistant pants. 

 

 I meet my first Camino friend, Yury from Latvia, but living in Germany. 

Along the way we had another companion that met us along the way, a shaggy black dog that I named Jacques! Jacques would walk ahead of us, but always turned back and met up with us.  He walked alongside and when we rested so did Jacques. I think he walked about 3-4 km with us until we reached the albergue.

 The walk was scenic, rolling hills, mountains in the background and small farm houses along the way.  Words and photos can not describe the immense peacefulness and tranquility that was all around you.  The higher you climbed further away was the last town but definitely looking forward to the albergue.

  

These small yellow arrows assured us we were always going in the right direction! 

Trying to stay dry! Well, like I said before, trying because my waterproof attire was really not water proof.  Nevertheless, we made it to our refugee Orisson.  Great little place.  Definitely recommend it to anyone who is making the camino.   Everyone was superb, friendly and attentive to all the peregrinos.  

After on was spent at the dinning area talking and meeting new people.  Dinner was great. A wonderful atmosphere and we had a chance for everyone to introduce themselves.  There are people from the States, Australia, Canada, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, and France!!