Roncesvalles to Zubiri

The weather dropped from about 28° to 14°, and we were keen as beans. Off in the dark, we made quick work through the forest path, encountering an absolute bounty of farm animals as the sun began to rise. These bells charm the hell out of me I tell you. Ring-a-ding your way into my heart.

Today was definitely not as unrelenting as yesterday, with about half the incline overall, but still had a fair amount of up and down. Even though it was cool, it was very clammy inside our rain gear and we quickly enjoyed that feeling of being hot, damp, and constricted.

The scenery was, once again, a delight, I applaud the Spaniards. Applause continues for their tortilla and cheesecake - both enjoyed at our halfway pitstop.

Highlight of the leg (other than the outrageously staunch horses) was coming across the trail-side exhibition by who I can only assume is the local lunatic. An array of vegetables, ranging in freshness, were laid out artfully in various states of decoration. Constructive criticism would include the suggestion of arranging them in dramatic scenes, à la the nativity scene (right on brand for camino), or perhaps Will Smith getting slapped by Chris Rock, if we're going modern.

After an alarmingly long and steep descent into Zubiri, during which I seriously questioned if my knees would explode, we tottered into our beds, looking around aimlessly, unable to make decisions or execute complete motor function. After a stint of this, we came (slightly) to our senses and ventured out for a meal. One that goes down in the history books for me; burger size of my head, say no more.

- BrannaRead more