Day 1 - Tuesday, 22nd April, 2014 - 8.0 km
[View from Orisson Albergue]
Today was going to be a bit of a gentle start. We only had to make the Albergue of Orisson, which is only about 8-10 km up the mountains into the Pyrenees. This is the furthest you can walk without biting the bullet and making your way a further 20 Km's over the Pyrenees to the main hostel. So it is a case of all or nothing. The climb to Orisson is very steep, but I knew we would get there soon after 10am in the morning. We hadn't had time to get our Pilgrim Passports (called a Credential) the previous evening because we had been so late; so our first stop was to return to the Pilgrim's Acceuil, or help desk, to book in with them and get our Credential.
We reached the Albergue at Orisson and checked in soon after 10am and soon were allocated a room with three bunk beds for 6 people. I was concerned that Eila would think this a bit of a doss, but although she was used to larger mileages, she welcomed the opportunity to sort out her pack as we were still in disarray after the previous night and unpacking in the dark.
Orisson is a wonderful place to start the Camino. It is just on the French side of the border with Spain and because you arrive early, you have time to get to know others who are also making their way on the Camino. The day ends with a supper served on three long tables and at the end everyone has to take it in turn to get up and say where they are from, how far are they walking on the Camino and whether they have walked the Camino before.... In fact my father's idea of a nightmare!, but it has an amazing effect of getting everyone acquainted and talking to each other. Some of the people you meet there, you often ending meeting later on the Camino.
Bon Camino.
[Orisson Albergue]
