Up, up, and up went the path, a repeat on yesterday, but for longer.
Looking back at Orisson in the early morning light
We’ve been very lucky with the weather, mostly cool and sunny, which meant today we had expansive views across the Basque Country into France and then into the Navarre, Spain.
Still climbing
Just when my energy was flagging, when on a bad day I might have questioned my sanity at embarking on this long walk, a food truck appeared. That hot chocolate was the best tasting hot chocolate ever!
Angels come in all shapes and forms, and as far as I am concerned the man operating this truck fits the criteria
There were flocks of sheep everywhere. The shepherds keep an eye on them from small white Citron vans parked on the side of the road. The livestock have bells around their necks which clang whenever they move. Handy, I guess for farmers looking for their animals in the mountain mists. I, however, can confirm that farm animals don’t sleep when we do. Those bells clanged all night long!
Sheep everywhere
Tonight is our first in Spain. We’re staying at the monastery at Roncesvalles. The first sight put an extra spring in my step.
There’s the monastery!
They cater for large numbers of pilgrims and I’d seen photos of a large dormitory crammed with bunk beds. I’d been dreading that. In fact, we are in a small cubicle which sleeps a total of four.
My body has held up better than I’d hoped. Although, now that we’ve stoppped there’s quite a few aches and pains making themselves felt.
The last kilometre or so was through dappled wood land.
Day two is done and we’ve walked up and over the Pyrenees. We’ve covered 23 kilometres, only another 751 to go!
We’re intending to have an easier day tomorrow. My shoulders will appreciate that, so will John’s.
Categories: Camino de Santiago, Europe, France, Spain
Jill's Scene 
I’m beginning to think i should have started in Pamplona 🙂
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From the comfort of my couch some months later, I can safely say that starting in St Jean and climbing up and over the Pyrenees was worth every painful step.
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I was wondering about the loos too???
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This is so exciting! 15 km today – was it horribly difficult?
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Hi Catbird, the path is easy to find in good weather. It helps a lot if you are fit. Some people did struggle because it is so relentlessly uphill.
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I’m pretty fit, Jill, but I’ll definitely need to push myself more in the months leading up to the walk. It’s good to know the path is easy to find. It also sounds like there are lots of fellow pilgrims to keep you on track. Have fun! 🙂
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I did some weight training at the gym to build strength in my shoulders and legs – so far so good!
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That’s good to know. I guess I’d better get busy! I’m glad you’re holding up well. 🙂
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Brava! Only 751 km to go! Wonderful views on day two.
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Marie is following your journey now. She has improved!
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Nice that the weather is nice.
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Not far to go now … hang in there 😀😀😀
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Are there toilets on the trail?
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Ah – good question! Not in the Pyrenees
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No. Except in the bars and restaurants, and behind every bush in-between.
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Gorgeous morning light. And well done!
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