DAY 2 : SPAIN : ORISSON to RONCESVALLES - 17.1 kms - 6 hours

Distance walked so far : 763.1 kms

Weather : warm wind as we set off at 8 am, sunny in the afternoon.



Our mission today : to climb from Auberge Orisson (750m)
to Col de Lepoeder (1450m over 10km) then drop from
there to Roncevalles (950m in 5 kms)

 

Everyone happy that the day was fine and mild.
(Weather conditions highly changeable)

 

Early morning down the Pyrenees valleys

 

Horses and sheep grazing

 

The border, crossing over to the Spanish province of Navarra.

 

One of the oldest beech tree forests left.
Steep decline.

 

Large new public albergue in Roncenvalles, one of the oldest
major centres on the route, solely in existence to look after
pilgrims. Fabulous facilities. 10 euros each for a bed.

 

Unlike the old albergue, where there were 110 beds
in one room (like an army hospital), they now
have 183 with cubicles of 4 beds. Large bathrooms,
washing facilities and kitchen (for those who like to cook!)
We will have a 9 euro - 3 course pilgrim menu at a
local restaurant.

 

We are sharing with Cinzia (Italy) and Adete (Spain)
our bedfellows from last night.
I have a cold so I'm praying that I won't disturb
anyone in such close quarters.

 

 

 

M&M

8/10/12