Hike, rest, repeat...

We have quite a bit to catch everyone up on.  We started our Camino in St Jean and spent the better part of 9 hours climbing through the Pyrenees, and yes, Jess was right about how difficult it would be.

 We met a lot of interesting people along the hike, but everyone moves at their own pace and there were plenty of opportunities for short conversations while passing or being passed.  The weather couldn´t have been better and the views of the French/Spanish Pyrenees and countryside were beautiful.

 The markers we followed-flechas or arrows

Only 763 kilometers to go!

One of the only sources of water on that first day

While climbing about 3000ft in one day proved difficult, it was really the downhill parts that were roughest on the feet, ankles, and knees.  Blisters, the nemesis of the pilgrim, were beginning to form...

And now for the steep descent to Roncesvalles

We spent our first official night of our pilgrimage in an albergue (which is akin to a hostel that can accomodate upwards of 100 people) in Roncesvalles, the first city on the Spanish side of the mountains (incidentally, we never had our passports stamped with a Spanish stamp....).  The albergue was beautiful.  It was recently renovated and the bunk-beds were very comfortable.  Unfortunately, sleeping in a large room with close to 100 exhausted pilgrims inevitably leads to a tremendous amount of snoring.  Our earplugs were working overtime, but were ultimately only minimally helpful. 

Let´s back up a bit.  Before spending the night at the albergue, we had made friends with an Irish couple, Mark and Marcella.  Wonderful people.  We had dinner with them and were able to compare experiences and motivations for doing the pilgrimage.  They will be traveling as far as Logroño.  We had a great time with them and were able to share stories and drinks until heading back to the albergue armed with our earplugs.

All told, the first day of the Camino was physically demanding and we were rewarded with incredible views.  Day two: Roncesvalles to Zubiri. 

¡Buen Camino!