Stage 2: Orisson to Roncesvalles

Yesterday kicked my butt. So did today for different reasons but we'll get to that later. Eleven miles and I don't even want to know the elevation gain, up and over Col Lepoeder pass 1432 m, the Napoleon route over the Pyrenees into Spain. Hardest part was standing in line for an hour to check in when I got there, was about to keel over. But after getting out of the boots, showering and handing my reeking sweat drenched clothing over to volunteers who washed and dried it (tears of joy!) I revived enough to enjoy the communal pilgrim dinner. Everything ached though, had to take naproxen so I could fall asleep. Had 3 German bunkmates in my cubicle who were so chill and packed so minimally I was in awe. After the amazing restorative power of sleep, was actually able to get up, put the boots back on, shoulder the pack and head out again by 0800 after breakfast. Onward to Zubiri.Read more