Day 1: Le Puy to Montbonnet

Day: 1, Miles Today: 12.3, Miles To Date: 12.3

God Grant me a humble and contrite heart. 

I forgot to clarify that God did not need to feel pressured to do it all at once.

In the first mile of the Camino, I was already 1/2 a mile off course. I have no idea how that happened. Then 2 miles in, I stopped to remove a layer as the day was warming. A1/2 mile down the trail, I realized I left my glasses where I stopped. That’s how you get 12 miles on a 10 mile route. 

And still, a Perfect 1st Day on the Camino. 

In spite of the “bonus” miles, it was a perfect 1st day. The weather was lovely. Clear Sky, mid 50’s. Amazing views all around. Ancient cities on ancient trails. Uphill climb all day, but not too bad. Met pilgrims all along the way. 5 American ladies hiking their 10th Camino. 74 year old Australian man on his 3rd one with his young (64) wife. And many other nationalities. 

But the highlight of the day was meeting my Camino brother, Bryan from Lansing MI. We started together and walked together for all 12 miles. Our lives had so many parallels. And he spoke flawless French. I need to find a full time translator every day. He was such a kind person and deep thinker. And very close to the Lord. Below is a picture of us together at a 900 year old chapel on the way. 

Buen Cumino! 











Comments

  1. YuriApril 1, 2025 at 7:34 PM

    And he's off! Love the photos. God is glorious. Wow. Also, they do say that uphill is easier on the knees :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 1, 2025 at 7:45 PM

    I love the pictures. I’m thrilled you had a ‘perfect’ 1st day on the Camino :) MFB

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeff P.April 2, 2025 at 7:54 AM

    Glad you are surrounded by pellegrinos and found a buddy. More to come. Wow the ladies walking their 10th Camino!!! The entire camino to Santiago?
    I'm humbled. One down 89 or less to go. Buen Camino my prayers for each of your steps.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 2, 2025 at 10:07 AM

    It really took you a long time to make friends. You’re slipping! Paul

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 2, 2025 at 3:08 PM

    We loved your writeup of the first day and your prayer for humility being answered so quickly.
    Nedra and Karen, sat next to you at dinner in Paris (Au Petite Bistrot)

    ReplyDelete
  6. David C.April 2, 2025 at 4:48 PM

    Atta boy Michael! What's a couple of miles off course in the big scheme of things?! One foot after another...and lots of prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dcn TonyApril 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM

    Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I lose my glasses in my own house. Beautiful pictures and a great unfolding story.

    ReplyDelete

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