I made it…

… through my first day at least. Once I started walking my nerves settled a lot. The scenery is spectacular. Green hills, purple and yellow wild flowers by the side of the road. It’s hard to know which way to look.

I started the day by attending the Pilgrim blessing at the Cathedral in Le Puy. They have a full mass daily, today’s was attended by around 150 people. After the mass there was a blessing for the Pilgrims. We had entered through a side door. At the end of the blessing the Priest gave the instruction for the portal to open. On demand, part of the floor was raised mechanically to reveal the main door to the Cathedral and the first steps of the Camino. We were wished a Bon Chemin and it was time to start.

My biggest fear embarking on this journey was that I would lose my way and get hopelessly lost in countryside France. I’m a lot less scared now. The Way Marking is exceptional. There are signs at most turns, shells marking much of the path and also red and white flags at regular intervals. There are even red and white X’s to show the incorrect path. It’s fantastic!

Many of the towns and villages we pass through don’t even have bakeries or cafes, but they usually have water fountains and toilets for pilgrims. Today I passed through one such town, Liac, where a lady had set up a kiosk selling sandwich’s, drinks and of course coffee to passing pilgrims. She also had a map of the world and she asked me to put in a pin for my home in Australia. There were only 2 pins for Australia. They were in Sydney and Perth, as my birthplace and my most recent home were taken I stuck one in Canberra. I hope my Canberran friends are reading. I enjoyed a small coffee and kept walking.

I am resting tonight in Montbonnet after a manageable first stage to my journey. I am tired but happy and content. Enjoying a local beer in the sunshine. Not a bad first day.