Not a great start with the taxi arriving while I was still in the shower due to the driver wanting to get home!! But "a first world problem" as Martha would so rightly say!

We all gathered at Gatwick and queued to check in the infamous pole parcel and, while doing so, I discovered useful pockets and zips on my Guacamole backpack courtesy of Sue! At Gatwick there was a little time for coffee for some but Jenny and I preferred to shop and a good job too as we were later to discover the enormous benefit of a squirt of Jo Malone's Grapefruit perfume after a day on the Way! However, a couple of hours later and still sitting on the runway due to a few medical issues on the plane, Jenny and I were beginning to question our priorities - both sitting there with rumbling tummies and morning coffee and tea withdrawal.

We arrived in Bordeaux and got the shuttle bus to the Gare de Bordeaux St Jean. Tickets bought, there was little dissuading us to stop for luncheon at a rather nice restaurant opposite the station, although Fiona was a little anxious we might miss the train as we only had 4 hours! Sated, relaxed and a touch inebriated after sampling the local wine (well you have to in Bordeaux don't you!) we boarded the train for Bayonne. Anne and I did a little snoring practice for later and the TGV took us with great ease and speed to our destination. We then had to board a little train to Combo les Bains - it was stuffed full of travellers with rucksacks - our first experience of Caminoland!!

We were soon in St Jean Pied de Port and made our way to the Albergue to be treated warmly and shown to our rooms. The bunk beds looked inviting as the lunch wine was still having a soporific effect but a shower, a change of clothes and a spot of lipstick did the trick and we hit the town for a Croque Monsieur and just a little more vino to celebrate the start of our adventure.

All in bed by 9.30!