Day 1: St. Jean to Roncesvalles - 22.7km

From my mom this morning:

Hi Cate. 

Hiking over the Pyrenees. 

Unbelievable day. We left St. Jean at about 6:45. It was still dark, but a gal who's hiked the Camino before helped us find our way out of town. Definitely the most difficult hike of our lives. The weather was perfect for me, although cold at times, but I didn't care. 

We started our hike while it was still dark.

We have already met so many wonderful people along the way. We hiked with several others for awhile, but mainly on our own. The views were breathtaking - it is hard to even comprehend the beauty. We never stopped to rest, but maybe we should have. It was brutal on our bodies, but we made it!! I told dad I think that should be the entire Camino!! Ha!  
We had packed lunches the night before so we ate along the way. We arrived in Roncesvalles, after close to seven hours, showered and took a long nap. I really can't describe the trek other than to say it was extremely tough. You could probably tell from the pix how hard the wind was blowing. 
We had a peregrino dinner that was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I cry as I write about meeting Guillermo (William) at dinner with his father Antonio. He was paralyzed in a diving accident when he was 19 (he's now 39) and he is biking the Camino using only his hands to wheel him. His dad is his support vehicle. He said, "my dad is my best friend". So special. He hopes to make it to Leon, which is as far as he can physically go. He pounded on his heart to say that's how he will make it. I hugged and kissed him twice (that's how the Spanish people kiss). Can't even put into words the emotion I am feeling. 
Then we went to mass for a special pilgrim blessing from the priest. We are so fortunate to be a part of this. If I'm like this after one day, I'll be crying nonstop by the end. Just amazing!! Love you guys. 
It's 9pm and I'm exhausted even after a two hour nap!
Food is a challenge for me as I don't think they know what a vegetable is. Not kidding! Dad says he loves you, too. Thanks for keeping up the blog!

St. Jean is in the background, under the fog. 

Markers along "The Way"

On top of the Pyrenees

Our pension and the church in Roncesvalles