Pilgrim’s Mass Last night, after I signed off, we attended the Pilgrim’s Mass at Roncesvalles. The sanctuary was packed. Three priests presided over a candlelit service in Spanish in soft, lilting voices. Though we were able to translate only every tenth word…Christ, pilgrims, espirito…we understood everything. At the close, they gave us a pilgrims’ blessing sending us safely along the …
Orisson to Roncesvalles (14 miles) Morning broke with a pink sunrise, announcing a beautiful, sunny day ahead. The fog in the valleys was mystical. We set off just after our “breakfast of champions” — bread and coffee. Here are today’s walking stats: 14 miles/ at least half in excess of 30% grades/ wind gusts up to 35 mph. I expected …
After a bite of lunch in St Jean (no shopping), we took off uphill. The steepness of the slope was shocking, but the scenery was beautiful. The MINUTE we got on the trail, it started raining. For a while, we were walking on pavement, which wasn’t too bad. When the trail switched over to a dirt track, the going became …
Too much excitement about the trip led to very poor sleep last night. Not the way I hoped to begin my hike up the Pyrenees. But, walk we must. We arrived at the starting point, St. Jean this morning. A very charming, old town with wonderful shops…linens, chocolates and espadrilles of every color! No shopping for me on this journey …
I have heard all about the stunning mountain views while hiking in Pyrenees, the waves of grass on the Meseta and the historic churches and quaint villages along the way, but I think the Camino will be about much more than geography. People who have done this trek talk about the opportunity for growth, healing and exploration. The simplicity and …