Walking The Way

Sept 6- I completed my first leg of the walk! Feeling good. No blisters! So many things to say today.

I had always planned on splitting the 27 Kilometer walk on day one into two days. This is because it’s the most difficult of the whole walk, and represents one of the deepest ascents of the whole pilgrimage, climbing from 200m elevation to 1400 (about 4500 miles in elevation).

My plan was to walk halfway to the city of Orrison, stay overnight there and then continue on the second leg the next day. Well last night, I found out there were no vacancies for a night in Orrison. With the heat that was supposed to reach a high of 90 degrees I wasn’t looking forward to walking the entire 27k uphill in one day in the sun. So what to do…

Then I remembered there are two routes you can take on the first leg. They both reach the same elevation and destination when completed, but the other one is a more gentle climb and was supposed to be set East in a forested area versus in mountain cliffs. Same distance, different walk, different view.

As luck would have it, I was able to find a nice room in a city halfway between the walk. So I took a chance and while everyone else was veering left in St Jean this morning, I veered right. I quickly had doubts as NO ONE was walking my path. But feeling right in my gut, I pushed on.

What a beautiful walk this was, taking in the countryside, walking through forested areas, and through tiny villages. Yes, I could feel the elevation incline in my legs as I crossed into Spain and left France, but not bad. One of my favorite parts was how this walk seemed to be 70% in the cool shade. Someone was looking out for me and knew this would be a great path for me. As I made my way into the town I would be staying in for the night, I had a huge sense of accomplishment and feeling pretty good physically.

Now here’s the fun part. The city I am staying in tonight, ValCarlos, means “Charles’ Valley’… I know.. right?? This city was used by Roman Emperor Charlemagne to get his troops in and out of Spain.

This walk was such a great start to this adventure by foot 🦶. The serene beauty of the area was such a needed and welcome site. I did eventually end up meeting a handful of other pilgrims who chose to walk this route as well. A couple from Spain, a woman from France, and two from Germany. Several of who are staying here this evening as well.

The city of Valcarlos

On arriving in Valcarlos, I had some time before my room was ready, so found a great little cafe and had a beautiful Spanish lunch which included two courses, and a half bottle of Spanish wine. A nice end to a nice day! I met a 72 year old man from Liverpool here at this cafe who was on his way back to the starting point. Not because he couldn’t make it, but because he had walked all the way to Santiago, turned around and decided to walk the Camino both directions! If he can do this both directions, In can do it one! What an inspiration has was!

So much happened today that was certainly ‘arranged for me’. I find myself grateful, in the moment, and incredibly humbled to be here on this journey.