June 25, 2011
Day 1: 15.6 miles
Total: 15.6
We woke this morning to the the sounds of pilgrims trying pack as quietly as possibly in the dark. We joined the fray, unintentionally knocking stuff over and banging our metal water bottles up against bedposts. I did this once and noted how it sounded like an alarm bell. Sure enough it caused a few to stir. So much for quietly packing.
Our hostel price of 8 euro included desayuno, or breakfast, so we sat with other baggy eyed pilgrims and ate. Once again we drew the ire of the crazy woman who said we were eating too much bread. We would have stayed longer, but the road was calling. This first day has a bit of a nasty reputation. It is pretty well deserved, too. A 15 mile, 4000 foot climb over the Pyrenees is a eye opening start to the Camino. Many have quit during the first day. Bree and I were determined to make it a good day. By taking frequent short breaks and modeling good pacing on the steep parts, we were hoping to keep spirits high the entire day, which, with two teen girls, is not all that easy of a task.
The road doesn't take its time with initiation. Right out of town comes a thigh burning section of road that fortunately offers you good view after good view of the valleys below. This always gave us the sense we were making progress and who can fail to be inspired by taking in the views we have seen today? I hope the ones we have posted to our wall on facebook do it justice.
Around 11, we decided to take a lunch break. We all presented our grocery goods from the day before and began trading, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, salami, and of course, baguette. By this time though, the sun began to warm their and the cumulative affect of climbing began to take it's toll. The name of the game out here is to maintain a positive attitude. In the early morning hours, when it is cool and your legs are fresh, keeping spirits high is not all that challenging. However, it is the afternoon hours that can really expose how well you can handle stress. So as the temperature rose, the relentless terrain went on, and fatigue set in, I am happy to report that the girls did amazing. Yes, it was tough, but they also pushed on, realizing that even though their steps are small, each in their individual way brings them one step closer to a bed and a place to call home for the night.
Overall, a very successful day and it all ends in Roncevalles, a small town with the monastery dating back to the 12th century. The hostel here is amazing and we had our first shared dinner at a restaurant where conversation bounced between English, French, and Spanish.
I am hoping one of them will be up to writing tomorrows blog. (they were a bit tired today:). Again, because of iPad limitations that I was total unprepared for, I am having to post pics on facebook. Check our facebook wall for the appropriate day. I will also remind everyone that we are unsure of wi-fi availability over the coming weeks. Just know that we will post as often as possible and I will give updates whenever possible. Thanks again for all you kind words of encouragement!
Here's to hoping we can even move our legs tomorrow!
James
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