Day 1 Le Puy to St Privat d'Allier

Always a big day, the first day of walking and today was 24 km of a relatively easy walk *( not that my feet were thinking that after about 17km)
We had the le puy lentils last night with a sausage so that set us up for today I think?
We were up early this morning so we could attend the Catholic mass service at 7 am as decided we needed all the help we could muster! It's quite a tradition to start this Camino with mass and then the floor comes up in the Cathedral where all the walkers walk out to start the pilgrim!
A quick brekky after and off we set.
It was quite a misty start but the day soon cleared into a beautiful autumn day and got up to 27.
For the first part of the walk we knew the ABS were playing so dear brother Bill was giving us frequent updates to satisfy Brian and Lee. Ir was quite a skill to manage walking poles rocky paths and holding my phone for updates but a great result and thanks Bill .
There seems to be great comraderie on this walk and already we have befriended a Swiss guy Michelwho has walked from Geneva and a couple from SA so a bit of rugby ribbing there!
Nothing was open for lunch so it was cheeses and a baguette under a tree for lunch .
The countryside is quite isolated with beautiful plowed fields with dark rich soil, corn fields and a few cows and horses on rolling countryside.
It was a steep descent into St Privat d'Allier and our feet were feeling it. Luckily some shade with spruce trees along the way.The first place we headed to was the bar with lots of beers and banter with fellow walkers Our little town here is so pretty and in the winter is covered in snow. Our meal at the hostel tonight was 3 course and absolutely delicious with local red wine to try.
Pretty tired now but good to have the first day under our belt.
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