The early morning adrenaline was pumping as we started out from our albergue and quickly started up the Pyrenees. The climb was well worth the spectacular views.
The climb didn't seem so bad, because several of us were talking and taking pictures, the excitement made us forget about the effort of the climb. Later, we would pay the price of the exertion. We made the first 5 miles in 2 and a half hours and stopped at Orisson, altitude about 3000 ft. Not a bad climb since we started at about 500 ft from St. Jean. We recharged with a coke and pastry and a gorgeous view!
We pushed on and steadily climbed the Pyrenees, where we found a nice vista to have lunch.
Then the walk began to level out a bit. You could still tell you were climbing in altitude, but it was not as hard as earlier. Then, we entered Spain! The only way we knew it, was there is a water fountain "Fontaine de Roland" and the map said so!
A nice walk through a shady lane and then down a steep wooded area and we arrived at Roncesvalles at about 4 pm. Nine hour walk and the dogs were very tired! The main Albergue administered by the collegiate church was full by then, so we got in the medieval hostel that is used for overflow. we were just happy to get a bed and shower and wash a few clothes.
Perhaps it was being so tired, or it really was the best baked trout I ever ate! Either way, the trout dinner at the hostel La Posada was delicious!
In the middle of the night, I was awaken by a very low sexy woman's voice in my ear asking me to turn over. then she explained it would stop me from snoring! lol
When I am extremely tired, I snore loud!
First day is said to be the hardest!
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