Day 1: St. Jean to Orrison

Distance Day/Total: 9.3/9.3 miles
Weather: Cold misty rain & fog

First day up the Pyrennes was not without its challenges.  Leaving I missed the way markers and wound up taking a 5 km detour through St. Michel in the way to Orisson with a lovely gentlemen named Dennis from London. His guidebook gave 1/2 the infirmation needed to get us back on track and mine gave the other 1/2. It was kismet that we lost our way together - the Camino provided us each other - he was my Camino angel and I was his. The lesson for today was, we are all in this together and don't be afraid to ask for or give help.

For a flatlander who lives at sea level like myself. Day one was very challenging. ...steady slope all the way up to Orrison with no break. 600 meters in total. The fine misty rain and fog in the air did not help, near the end I was needing to stop every 20-40 meters to stop and  add catch my breath. The fog and rain limited the opportunities for photos. Which is a shame because the Pyrennes are beautiful in good weather.

The decision to stay at Orisson rather than push all the way through was a good one. The proprietors were super nice, the food an accomodations were both excellent.  I met my initial Camino family wuth great reoresentation fron Ireland,  Germany, Canada, France, Denmark, and the USA.