Seamingly small milestones really aren’t so small

Well, I guess it is official now. I have my credential and begin walking tomorrow.  Every step along the way seems quite momentous at this point. Finding the first Albergues in Irun to get my credential was the first step. I think here on the Northern route Americans are a bit of an oddity. Of the 20 or so queued up to either get a bed for the night or get the credential, I was the only one with English as a first language. I understood none of the conversation around me and no one was particularly interested in whether I ever figured it all out. I did though and have the credential to prove it.

The place I am staying is right on the Camino route out of town. I plan to be up early before it gets too hot and start tomorrow’s first day – 27 kilometers and reportedly the most physically rigorous of all.

I am admittedly nervous. All my fellow pilgrims look years younger and travel tested. I look forward to the morning, however, as I know I will become stronger and more comfortable with the process each day- at least, that is the plan.