• ShaunLCCamino de Santiago - May 2025Traveler
    The shell is the icon of the Camino de Santiago, with all routes converging on the destination
    2Porte d'Espangne, that away to Santiago de Compostella. My journey begins!1A bright new day awaitsAfter days of rain we are treated to an absolute mint dayGreens bursting with colour, blue skies, and morning mist still in the valleysMy companion on my solo walkDonkeys grateful for the sunI had imagined this view for a long timeIt was a heck of a climb, no complaints about stopping for a breatherThis was the route over the Pyrenees which Napoleon took on his Iberian campaignAnother breatherWhat a view over the foothills of the PyreneesWe were circled by eagles for a while. What did they know which we didn't...1Destination reached, Refuge OrissonChorizo sandwich with French beer, a decent lunch with an amazing viewThe amazing view from the lunch deckA relatively short day to start off with, but a decent climb

    Day 1 - The first step

    April 28 in France ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    St Jean Pied Du Port to Refuge Orisson
    8.2km
    Bags got collected from the Air BnB and I bought some rations at the local store, then off to the starting line. 800km is about 1 million steps, so the first step through the Porte d’Espagne was memorable. My great trek has started!
    Even though town was quiet with not too many pilgrims around, a snaking line of bright colours soon settled into a rhythm along the path.
    Feeling really grateful to have this opportunity and blessing, feeling nervous and excited about what’s to come, feeling uncertain about my ability to complete, and feeling curious about all the wonderful sights, sounds, people and experiences over the coming days.
    Moments of the day - The first step of 1 million, seeing the mist in the valley of the Pyrenees foothills, and watching the souring eagles so close I could hear the wind passing over their wings.    Read more