Every Journey Starts with the First Step !

Dear all
I've had a great day and lots of good wishes have been washing over me
So forgive me I can't answer everyone... I'll be up all night and I'm pretty tired...
The day started at 6 am, with the Hospitaleros and 1 other pilgrim singing Happy Birthday to me ( in English) and presenting me with the signed shell to accompany me to Santiago..after a quick breakfast they all sang and bade me 'buon Camino' (first tears of the day ) before I set off for mass at the Grotto in Lourdes at 0645( in Polish !) lit my pilgrim candle for everyone..
I then set off around 8 am on my pilgrimage
- it's been a long hot day with messages all day long ( thanks)
Through the foothills of the Pyrenees to Betharam where I had a nice lunch ( only 4 courses & wine !) and finished the day at Asson, at around 4 pm, it's been a 25 kms walk, good clear trail markers of varying descriptions and now in a parish house refuge at Asson- even got the place to myself...and 10€ for the night, cheaper than lunch !!
Thanks for everyone's cards and presents, most of which remain in England for my return... Although I did bring my badge, and a smaller shell to leave on the Way..
It just goes to show I may be alone, but I'm not on my own !!
So I'll leave you with what I was sung this morning 'ultreia' (keep moving on) I've done 25 kms, only another 1075 to go !!
Love and thanks again
Joe