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
