Camino Eve

I arrived to Saint Jean Pied de Port today! Quaint little French village & the starting point for the Camino Frances. I left San Sebastian, Spain this morning and took the train across the border to France, followed by 1 more train and 1 bus ride.

It’s been a cold and rainy day but it’s absolutely beautiful here in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Simple, white houses with red shutters and doors. Big, green fields with grazing sheep. Rolling green hills in the distance. Pilgrims of all ages with backpacks and shells ready to start their journeys.

I went to the Pilgrim’s Office and received my official pilgrim passport & my first stamp. I got teary as I waited in line because I’ve waited for this moment for a long time. Now it’s here. Surreal, terrifying, and exciting.

I dropped off my main suitcase with a luggage transport service, and I will meet it in Santiago at the end of the journey. Goodbye make-up and nice clothes! Catch you on the flip side. Now it’s just my pink backpack and I.

Tomorrow is a big day! Day 1 of the Camino. 15.5 miles/25 kilometers to Roncesvalles. Many say this is one of the more challenging days. Across/through the Pyrenees. Another fun factor will be the weather- it’ll be a low 37 degrees in the morning with snow! I think I’m in for a long, cold, and wet first day!

I’ll rely on Glennon Doyle’s mantra for tomorrow: I can do hard things!

But for now, on the eve of this Camino adventure, I’m sitting in the common room of my hostel, listening to the rain, and feeling all of the things.