Camino Day 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles

Date: April 1st

Distance: 17.27 miles/ 27.8 km

Time: 8 hours (8:15am-4pm)

Holy shit. What a crazy first day of walking. Nobody was expecting or prepared for the weather- a freak snowstorm & terrible winter weather. I debated staying a few more days to wait out the snow and cold, but many other pilgrims were heading out, and I found 2 walking buddies to go with. The Napolean route through the Pyrenees was closed due to the weather, so we took Valcarlos- a safer, lower level route, which still had incredible views.

I literally had on every layer I brought- thermal, long sleeve, fleece, sweatshirt, rain coat, poncho on top. My leggings and athletic pants. All 3 pairs of socks. A pair of gloves I had thrown into bags last minute. I stayed pretty warm the whole day!

Although the weather was not ideal, it was magical to be in the foothills of the Pyrenees and see the white houses and hills sprinkled with snow.

Bathroom + a bocadilla (sandwich) with bacon, grilled peppers, & roquefort + cafe con leche + new pilgrim friends in Valcarlos. (Our only stop for the day!)

The last 5 miles of the day were ROUGH. A lot of pavement time, a very snowy trail off the road which led to wet socks and gloves. Snow, hail, wind at the face. Legs burning. But I felt content and safe as I walked with my new friends- we were all looking out for each other!

So much excitement and relief when the monastery (where we stayed) finally came into view! We were welcomed with hot tea, a stamp in our pilgrim passport. A nice bed. A hot shower. Food and wine with more new pilgrim friends. Laughing and exchanging stories of the day.

So glad to be done with this day… but so glad I got out there and did it!