Day 5: To Roncesvalles

As I was walking down to SJPP, I passed a man and his 14-year-old daughter. She was obviously exhausted and overcome by the heat. I stopped to talk to them and found out that she was really having trouble getting up the hill and she did not want to continue. I let him know that there was a bus that afternoon to Roncesvalles. He was very happy to get this information. His name was Ishmael and her name was Alma. They both spoke great English and so we talked quite a bit about the Camino. They were from Malaga and he really wanted to do a Father/daughter walk and I think she did too, but it was just too hot and too difficult this time around because they really hadn't planned . We talked a lot about what their options might be for the next trip and I felt like I've made two new friends.

After I walked down to SJPP, I was super hungry, so I grabbed a salad at the local restaurant. Then there was about an hour wait for a bus. A pilgrim named Heather and her husband were waiting for the bus and we found plenty to talk about.

When I arrived at Roncesvalles, I was happy to see quite a few members of the family of people I had made friends with for the last two days. Each said the walk had been difficult because the wind was so strong, but they were all super happy that they had done it and they all made a point to talk about the beauty of the trail.

When I arrived at Casa Sabina, I got checked in and got a shower and then felt hungry again, so I ordered a hamburger. The burger was fine, but the french fries were so greasy. I couldn't eat them. That's probably a good thing because I had so much food today ha ha ha!

I just got back from the Pilgrims Mass. I was shocked at how many pilgrims there were from all over the world! I took some photos of the church and now I'm in my room, relaxing with my feet up. Something bit the top of my foot and it itches like crazy! I sure hope it wasn't bedbugs!

I'm meeting some of my new friends tomorrow morning at seven to head out. I will only be walking as far as Viskerret so I will be saying goodbye to most of them

Otherwise, it's been a great day!Read more