in the last few months i have been reading books about the Camino, books i avoided prior to my own experience. I recall a momentary thought that it would be sensible to read about the experiences of other pilgrims but it was a brief consideration. the truth is, i did some research and reading online but only for facts and info, i wasn't interested in more. now i know why...i didn't want the thoughts and feelings of others to change my own. i wanted to be fresh and relatively free from expectations. i suppose i only wanted to know 'enough' to feel i was reasonably ready and prepared. i knew i wouldn't ever truly be prepared but i wanted to feel prepared 'enough'. i suppose i also trusted the feeling deep inside that led me to the Camino.
I didn't sleep much the night i arrived in San Jean pied de port, but i didn't expect to, none of us did. the next morning, the first morning on the very first day on the Camino i was a mix of emotions- excitement, anticipation, curiosity, apprehension- i truly had no idea what to expect, other than a long walk over the Pyrenees with probably a mix of rain and snow. so i guess i new 'enough' because that is what i got. and so much more...
about 20 minutes in this was the view, all around beautiful green, light rain and quiet. except for our feet on the pavement for we were walking on a road for a long time. a very slow incline, "into the clouds" someone said.
and then it was mud, i was glad to have my hiking boots because it was slippery. later it was rocks and mud. then boulders. then deep wet leaves atop more mud. it was a good indicator of the path in the coming days and weeks. we sort of had every terrain all rolled into one day. the first day.
our first stop, real stop because we had taken a few minutes here and there for photos and water. we actually went inside the Refuge Orisson for coffee and a snack. we also got to warm up and dry off...the last time i would be truly dry for 2 days. but i didn't know that so i just enjoyed the coffee and warmth and the second stamp in my credencial.
as we climbed higher the rain came harder and soon there was wind. then it was as if the rain was coming from all directions. you know that type of rain? i tried to take a photo of the Officer and it came out with rain drops and moisture, it may be one of my favorite photos because i remember that moment so vividly when i see it.
i learned a lot about the Camino that first day:
-the Camino is whatever it is from moment to moment
-your attitude and perception will carry you through or hold you back
-pilgrims are a diverse group with a shared journey
-you will not know the meaning of an encounter with another pilgrim in the moment...but you will at some point
-pilgrims have died on the Camino and will continue to do so, it isn't just something that happened in Medieval times
-ziplock bags were a brilliant invention
-drying rooms for clothing and boots are a blessing
-everything matters
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