30.05.24

Well the first day of the Camino is done! We set out at 6.15 and walked for 8 hours. The weather was terrible with thick fog and drizzle/driving rain.

We climbed 1400 metres and descended from the highest peak. We crossed the Pyrenees and arrived at Roncesvalles, the first town in Spain soaking wet with very muddy boots. We do feel triumphant but I have to admit that without John's help, I would have really struggled. It is so useful to have a Sherpa/mountain goat/ mountain man along with me. Quiet encouragement and so many useful tips he's learnt from the Himalayas and the Sherpas, the real experts. We saw so many pilgrims and had great chats with them. One of the great sights was an enterprising shepherd who has a food cart up at 1200 metres!