Sunday 11 May 2008

Cold and Wet on Day 3

Was I ever cold, 10 to 12 degrees, and raining when I was crossing the Pyrenees.



My self and a group of pilgrims started walking at 8:05am on the foggy and wet road from Orisson, in France, to Roncevalles, in Spain. Initially it wasn´t that bad but when we got out onto the upper heights there was a wind and our hands were so cold. If it hadn´t been for the wonderful Germans, Cecilia, Monica, Gerta, I think I would still be walking or freezing up there. Most of the walk today was uphill and that lasted for about 4 hours. I have sore hips, and the ankle I twisted :-( on the way down the stairs on my first walking day hurt again. The light rain never really let up and when we stopped for drinks we would get quite cold. We arrived in Roncesvalles at about 1:15 pm soaking wet inside, and out.....and are now in a large monastery hall with 60 bunk beds which are full. Ancient pilgrims also stayed here...so much history, and now pain as well as fun and kindness.

And Scott and Daniel, it was hard but I couldn´t have done today without your help in the last 6 months. On day 1 I walked up hill comfortably for 1 1/2 hours and on day 2 a very difficult hour...quite steep. Scott it is very hard to lie on a tennis ball on an ancient monastery stone floor! but boy I was glad my "glutes" ? and abdomen were strong :-). Today I know where my thigh muscles are!

The sights we saw were just wonderful, views of villages amongst beautiful green fields on hills and valleys, beautiful strong ponies, sheep and shepherds, exquisite beech forests with muddy, leafy floors, green moors with rough rocks, and clouds, below us, as we got higher and higher!

I can't believe I have crossed over the Pyrenees. I was quite afraid at the beginning of today´s walk as once we had walked 2 hours, we still had 3 to go before we could find shelter

Clarisa Peregrina

6 comments:

Jane said...
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Jane said...

well done Clarisa! You have now conquered one of your greatest challenges on the camino - crossing the Pyrenees. Now you can relax and enjoy the camino. Have a safe time, take care of that ankle, buen camino, Jane

Anonymous said...

Congratulations for making over the top, Mum! Am so proud of you. Happy Mother's Day XOs SW

rara1995 said...

Good luck to you!! You are so brave. Be careful and stay warm^^

Anonymous said...

Hi Clarisa, well done! It sounds like you had the same weather for the crossing of the pyrenees as I did. We enjoyed reading your blog and will stay tuned for the next installment! Have fun.
From Noosh and Neil at Flinders.

Anonymous said...

Just got home from Europe and am catching up with your news. Well done, Am waiting to hear that you arrived. You don't need to tell me about finding computers in Europe.
Keept it up. Lots of love
Anita