Day 1: SJPDP to Roncesvalles

I know some readers will be eagerly looking forward to the details of my latest mishap, but there is nothing to report in that department - everything went well!

Today was the first day of walking, and It was a serious walk. About 25km up and over the Pyrenees. My watch tells me it took just over 6 hours of walking time. Rest/drink breaks meant that after leaving my accommodation at 6:30am, I didn't arrive at the monastery at Roncesvalles (for dinner and bed) until 1:45pm

The view while climbing was impressive, and matched the best of all those YouTube videos I'd watched over the last year. The fog persisted in the valleys until quite late, which enhanced not detracted from the scene
A stop at Orisson for morning tea was a welcome break
(and I also stopped at the food truck a bit further up, partly to get a break from the wind)
The wind gradually ramped up over the morning. Initially it was very pleasant, just right for cooling off, but later, especially once the trail was more exposed, it was hard work walking into it. Think of a Wellington gale that doesn't let up. The only breaks were when the track went into the forest
The leggies are a bit tired, although no blisters yet  Coming around the corner and seeing the monastery was a welcome sight
The other pilgrims are consistently friendly, and are from all over the world, although I would say the USA was the most common country I came across. Quite a few Aussies, and a surprising number of  Kiwis. Including one who was on the same plane as me from Auckland to Paris!

Comments

  1. NicolaApril 23, 2026 at 8:48 PM

    Fancy finding a plane sharer. The food pics make me think of second breakfast and elevensies. Pictures look great.

    ReplyDelete

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