Well I made it that gruelling first day over the Pyrenees about 26km from last nights hostel to the accomodation for tonight, with 1400m elevation at the highest point. I experienced a lot of emotions today as I walked, it has been a long time getting to the actual walking and I had some doubts about how I would go. Would I get blisters? Would I cope with carrying my pack? Would I get cramps. And would the bread I ate at dinner last night affect my gut today.
Well I set out at 6:00am from SJPDP after getting a coffee from the bakery of course. I’m not going to lie those first 8 kms to Orison were pretty challenging. I ate some of the little pastry things I purchased last night for breakfast. When I arrived at Orison the smart people who booked well in advance were just getting ready to leave. I had another coffee and a banana and set off. One foot in front of of the other. I met an Irish man called Gerard I am pretty sure and we walked together for about 6-7 km I estimate but wasn’t counting. We got chatting and it turns out he lost his wife to cancer in July 2024. And get this his wife came to NZ and taught in Orewa College in the 80’s he didn’t believe me at first, that is where Fiona went to high school. He is Catholic and this is his second Camino the first was with his wife and broken into sections. We talked about the pain of loss and life without your spouse. Then we made it to a the food truck near the top and stopped for a break. I had a hard boiled egg with lots of salt as my legs had started to cramp and then another banana and two cans of this electrolyte stuff someone in NZ told me about.
I headed off again before Gerard so we parted ways but I am sure I will meet up at the hostel tonight. Also meet another kiwi just very briefly to say Kia Ora to. Those last few kms to the top were brutal. My legs kept cramping when I got to the top I stopped and stretched them as best I could. I ran out of water before the top so I am hanging out for the hostel to open and get a drink. I took the easier option down the hill which was slightly longer, but with my cramping legs I thought it might be better to come down the road and track. I am pleased I made that call. It felt so good to take my shoes off and sit down. I have just had a shower and washed my clothes. That felt even better I will charge my phone will I write this and then I will go and have a look around the little town.
There was amazing scenery today as I walked but there was also lots of fog which made it challenging to see to far ahead that is probably a good thing. Did I enjoy today you might be asking? Well parts of it but certainly not all of it there were moments when I was wondering what the hell am I doing. But over all I am very pleased to be here. I made it here just after 1:00pm for those who have been here before. My bed is made and my clothes are drying on the rack outside.
Anyway two prevailing thoughts from today as I worked. I am incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to come and walk the Camino. Thank you to all who have made this possible, especially David and Lyn (Fionas’) parents who are with Emma and Rhys in New Plymouth. Thank you to each of my kids who I miss already you are awesome humans and I give thanks for you everyday. (Well most days) And finally my Fiancé Yona who wrote me a lovely prayer as I headed off from SJPDP this morning.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Lord I ask as Mike begins to walk the Camino may Your light shine on the path ahead, reminding him to fix his eyes not on the here and now but on the unseen, the eternal. Surround Mike with Your love, that he may feel the warmth of Your presence. Fill him afresh with your Holy Spirit and lead him throughout the day.
For the practical, I pray for his feet to toughen and cope with the hours of walking. Protect him from blisters, pain and injury. Allow Mike to find accommodation each night that allows him restorative sleep, so he can wake well rested and ready to face the next day.
May this journey be a time for reflection and healing. Allow people to come alongside Mike that provide encouragement, support and friendship. I pray that he may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
Amen.
The other thought was thankfulness for God’s provision in my life again and again. He is an awesome good and I was reminded of that today as I walked and took in all of the scenes around me.
Anyway I am going to head into town now my phone has charged sufficiently. But before I go let me answer the questions I began with. How did I go? Pretty good I think. Did I get blisters? No I did not thankfully. Would I cope with carrying the pack? I have sore shoulders but yes I coped ok. And finally did the bread roll I ate with last nights dinner effect me adversely today while I walked no it did not.
That is it for today good people.
Nga mihi
Mike
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