After less sleep than we wanted and a quick breakfast of bread and jam, we left the hostel about 7:30 AM for our first day of walking. We left St. Jean and planned to go 7 miles to Valcarlos, a small town over the border in Spain. It was overcast and soon started to rain. We put on our rain gear and it worked well despite not being tested during our training in Michigan. Our walk took us through farms perched on slopes of the Pyrenees which were shrouded in clouds. Very quaint and beautiful! We arrived in Valcarlos shortly after noon, ate lunch and checked into the local hostel. Other pilgrims in the hostel are from Italy, England, South Africa, Germany, Seattle and Cincinnati. We are glad for the short day as we ease into the Camino and have time to talk with our fellow pilgrims from around the world! Tomorrow holds the promise for better weather as we climb 2500 ft over the Pyrenees.
Picture #1 & 2--St Jean Pied de Port
Picture #3--view from hostel doorway
Beautiful scenery! Hey, by the way tell Sam to take a few pictures of you, not that I'm sick of looking at him or anything.
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