DATE
2019.04.18

START
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Refuge Municipal, Rue de la Citadelle, 55

END
Roncesvalles
Albergue de Roncesvalles - Orreaga

DISTANCE TRAVELED
~ 14 miles

TRAVELED BY
Foot

PLACES VISITED
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port > Honto > Orisson > Roncesvalles

PEOPLE
Cami France, near Bordeaux
Ana Barcelona
Silvia Barcelona
Charlie Los Angeles (bicicleta)
Dierdre Ireland
Peter London
Stefan Wales (took my picture)
Merlín Wales
Peggy & Richard Utah
Sarah Switzerland
Giovanna Brazil
Fernando Brazil
Simon Germany
Yodog (sp?) South Korea
Patty Williams, CA
Cindy Williams, CA
Jessy Crescent City, CA

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Wow. What a day. So much beautiful countryside, and such a variety of experiences. Warm and cloudy, brisk and windy, brisk and rainy, sunny and misty, sunny. I really wish I could share with you beyond the photos.

• Had some nice alone time this morning and got some journaling in at the Refuge in SJPdP before departing. I’m excited that it worked out that I started this new journal on the first day of the Camino.

• More alone time for most of the first part of the hike. It was nice, and I got some good podcast time in. I suspect I will listen to less podcasts as time goes on. Maybe some minimalist music, mostly just the sounds of nature, as well as fellow caminantes.

• Met some really cool people, and some less really cool but still interesting ones. I’m happy for it all.

• Got to talk to you and hear the dulcet tones of your voice. Oh how sweet it is to get to talk to you. I absolutely love the sound of your voice. From the very first time we met, and then the first time we talked on the phone to set up details for our museum date, your voice has been a soothing sound.

• Big and delicious meal (consisting of bread, lentil soup, and pasta with a little bit of red sauce to start, and then whole trout and French fries as my main. And also red wine, a Tempranillo from Spain (obv). Finished off with a cup of plain yogurt. Simple and filling. What more can I ask for?

• Ate another pate/cat food sandwich midway through the walk. I think at this point I’m a fan.

• Made some updates to “Sad Lion” later on during the walk.

• Found a bitchin’ walking stick. May continue to take it with me. May not. We’ll see. I at least got a picture with it. For proof.

• Showered after the walk. Mmmmm yes.

CHALLENGES 

• Didn’t sleep too well. Several snorers, including the worst of which who happened to be sleeping near my bunk. Plus, the whole room seemed to get up at like 5 or 5:30 and it was just constant noise.

• Was frustrated at how messy other caminantes left the Refuge, especially since it was a volunteer-run place. I helped clean up some of the unnecessary mess before I left.

• Had some tightness that popped up in my left knee about 2/3 of the way through today’s walk, as well as some blisters. Those will be an interesting challenge moving forward. Will be making it an extra point to stretch early and often.

• Peter, the British guy, was a bit challenging, though more entertaining (at this point). He will get more challenging if I can’t successfully shake him.

SOME THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW

• A supposedly easier day on the trail.

• K8’s arrival in Europe and the subtle shift in energy her physical proximity will bring with it. She’s always near (and dear) metaphysically, of course, and that energy is consistently powerful.