Stories and no tales

Camino 2015 started bad. The kiosk for the plane showed "Cancelled". But we got to Spain in time to eat the supper at the St Jean-Pied-de-Port refugio which was our first night. Rand thought the breakfast bread was the best he ever had. Rose announced the raisin croissant  at the bakery was the best she'd ever had. The Camjno was to the good. 

I tried and tried to call or post our arrival but to no avail. The 30+ sleepless hours were showing. But CT (the crazy taxi cab driver) changed all that. He was a very nice Spanish man who explained the whole Pyrenees Spain/France thing (I think. Who knows. I don't speak it). Pointed out the trail. Stopped and insisted I take a picture of something (who knows why. I don't speak it). More pointing followed by near collision and break neck speeds only slowed by a need to call his wife. She's a good woman with problems (again, who knows I .....).

The 5 mile climb the first trail day was a blast. The "natural" Randster set the goals. "Short and attainable". He is now the designated "GS" for the Trail.(goal setter). Katie is the pace setter. I swear she's gonna come back in an after life as a gazelle. It truly is a beautiful thing.

We met a delightful lady from North Carolina named Colleen. She has 90 days to do the Camino. She brought me to tears when she spoke of her sister and the caregiving she gave until her passing in April. And so goes the Camino.

The Pyrenees (Peonies) did not disappoint. Absolutely STUNNING. Liz, you know what I mean. Katie announced if she died tomorrow she would die happy. Rand is already planning a Camino that goes thru Sweden. The map at the Refugio in Orisson shows one but it has dashes instead of dots. ? He'll figure it out I'm sure. The fog did not roll in until afternoon so their mountainous majesty reigned supreme for 90% of the walk today.

Pic #1 The Delta plane

      #2 My fellow pilgrims Rand & Katie

      #3 The arrival of Orisson/end of Fitbit

            flights for the day. 200+ by Katie

       #4 Only CT knows

       #5 The first step of Camino 2015