Day 1 and 2 of walking

Day 1: up up and up. We started in st jean and planned to only walk 8 km the first day because of the incline. It took us about 2.5 hours to get to our hostel about 800m up in orisson.
This was the perfect plan really. Most people only walk to orisson especially since it is everyone's first day. We had an awesome time hanging out in the afternoon with our friends and they provided a delicious meal for all the pilgrims. We all introduced ourselves and mingled the night away.

Mom says " I slept with Paul last night.. And Rebecca and nancy and Doreen and morgan" ha. You make friends fast around here!! Everyone has been so lovely. So far both nights have been 6 per room.

Day 2: the tough one. We walked from orisson to Roncesvalles. About 20 kms and another 800m in elevation. This was the last of the trekking over the Pyrenees and we are happy to say we made it!!! It was insanely windy and cold so it was a long, rough haul. But now we are sitting by the fire in a cafe with hot chocolate. All our friends are starting to arrive so we are happy to see that everyone has made it.

Happy birthday shout out to Ange, heather and Carissa!! We are 8 hours ahead(I think). Thinking about you ladies-enjoy your birthdays.

Buen camino.

P.S. Bev and Linda nice job on the stairs :) our legs are sore after this long day but before that they have been fine! Definitely need to do some stretching. Gonna feel this one tomorrow.