The overcrowded , excitable backpack filled train finally rolled into St Jean pied de Port. The official start of the Camino de Santiago / Camino Francés.
I’ve not previously had a chance to look round this medieval walled town ( In Late / Out Early ) . This time we’ve allowed extra hours tomorrow before we set off .
Happy Lads
The joy of this place is its kept it’s walls intact and the town has the feel of the shambles in York.
We head to a nostalgic overnight stay . The Gites Chemin de Vers Etoile . A grand name to a €18 Inc Brekky hostel.
I stayed here in 2017 and it was here that I met 2 extraordinary people – Carmen from Sweden and Brigitta from Vienna – we stay firm friends to this day and walked together the life affirming 800 km to Léon and on to St John of the Star Field – what a great name – Santiago de Compostela.
After 8.00pm in a small hill town restaurants close – leaving us with the Creperie – which turned out very well – choosing savoury and sweet crepe from the menu using the baffling but effective Google lens before wandering back to bed with some remarkable night time views at 9.30pm after an 18 hour day. 
Wednesday 13th Sept
The day of Lukes graduation 
– but he chose wisely to swing by the Pyrenees instead. Loughborough or Logrõno – his lifes going to be full of decisions – Good Start and congratulations Luke 
We have time to walk the Ramparts of St Jean – a warm up to the first 8k / 45 degree section to Refuge Orisson .
The actual start … the Spanish Gate.
2017 versus today
2017 – The Originals 
MorMor & Brigs
2023 – New Kids on the Block
I’m no way match fit – having done very little since the alpine TMB hike . So I’m happy to take it easy first few days and take in the views – lovely.
We’re booked into Refuge Orisson .. and I’m very grateful for that 
. It has a reputation for a fab communal dinner and establishing many trail companions for the way ahead.
I’ll end with a gorgeous afternoon view with a beer on the side .
Xxxxxx
What fun! You all look really well. How many km are you aiming to average each day? Enjoy your ‘pint with a handle’ 😘
I love it! What a great first day.
Mucho love to you all. 🥰🥰