The train arrived at Bayonne an hour late but thankfully Caroline our taxi driver waited. We met two lovely French ladies in the pilgrims office who issued our pilgrims passports and gave us (well me actually) a hug for good luck ….and we were on our way.
Due to heavy snow overnight the Napoleon route (and Orisson) was closed.
… So we were off to Valcarlos, a beautiful walk next to a river mostly with the sun in our faces ( not a rain drop in sight) and the snow capped mountains ahead of us. We met two American guys along the way who walked with us part of the way, one of them had been an extra in a Martiin Sheene movie and said he was a super guy to talk to.
The final stretch up to Valcarlos was a steep incline which lead us to a fantastic municipal Abergue where we showered and washed our clothes.
As I write this blog at 3am I am surrounded by snorers.., lead by the loudest .., our man Davin who is certainly giving the Germans and Australians a run for their money in the snoring stakes!
Bedbugs and Blisters 
3am!!!! What are you like….. Sounds like you had a good first day, best of luck for the rest of your journey. We have started the day here with a heavy frost which was a shock as yesterday was sunny all day. X
Do you have a picture of all your Pilgrim Passports at the start ?
Good luck to you all. Have fun !
Me, that Scottish chap Neil was worse!