Bonjour! After a 43 hour trip from NZ Jacqui and I arrived at the starting point for our journey, St Jean Pied de Port, France (A). We arrived in the small town at 11.30pm and were exhausted after the plane and train trips. After getting lost, we finally found our hostel - locked! We knocked and waited, and to our luck, the light switched on and a disgruntled French man came and let us in. That night we slept like babies!

We ended up spending a day in St Jean, as the accommodation in the next town was already booked. This turned out to be a blessing however as there was a lot we had to organise for the walk, including getting a pilgrim passport, sending some extra clothes to the end of the walk etc. Plus we got to explore the town, see the old prison and beautiful Cathedral.

The next morning we woke bright and early to embark on crossing the Pyrenees. We chose the Napoleon route which is the steepest route and begins with quite a climb! We walked 29km that day and about 5 hours up hill. As we climbed higher the temperature dropped and very high winds developed. It was very wet and cold and we even walked through snow. Not quite what we had expected, but we were very pleased that we had packed jackets, thermals, gloves and hats.

After a pretty tough first day we arrived in Roncesvalles (B). We had crossed the border and had now entered Spain. Hola! We had our first pilgrim meal (a special cheap 3 course dinner provided to pilgrims) of bean soup, fish (skin, tail and bones included) and ice cream. We also enjoyed the company of a table of classic old French men. I had to try and remember as much French from school days as possible and when that didn´t work sign language. Most of the pilgrims are 50 plus, some as old as 80 which is pretty amazing. That night we slept at an albergue (pilgrim hostel) with over 100 people in the same room - which was quite an experience.

We left Roncesvalles this morning at 6.30am and began a 27km walk. The sun soon appeared and I was able to bare my legs, and change into shorts. It soon got very hot. There is so much beauty to take in as we go and so many interesting pilgrims from all over the world to talk to along the way - which makes time go quickly. We have already made a bunch of friends. By the time we arrived at Larrasoana (C) this afternoon at 2.30pm it was very hot and we were ready to take our boots off. I have a blister on my heel, and my feet have been a little sore - but apart from that I am feeling really good.

Thank you for all of your messages - I love reading them - and thank you for all of your support, it means the world to me.

Adios till next time

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