Another strenuous day, but longer. We started out with sun and ended with sun. Absolutely beautiful views the entire way through farmland. Of course these are livestock farmers and their animals live on the sides of the Pyrenees.
I certainly had to dig down deep today to get this done. It was very difficult to find the inner strength to put one foot in front of the other and face yet another turn upward. I got to the point that I had to force myself into 50 steps and then a rest. Unfortunately my neck and shoulder injury last summer are kicking up a bit with my pack. So it helped to stop frequently and stretch out my muscles. Wishing I would have had a little acupuncture from my doc before I left. But finally we reached to top of the mountain!
The trip down into Roncesvalles was quite the extreme downhill trek. It was one of the knarliest, straight drop, shale and rock downhill courses this side of Vermont. ( I thought of you, Josh!). It’s only saving grace was shade and an it was dry. Today was Debby’s day for legs giving out, but we rested, she drank our recovery drink and made it down.
During our rest some two women that we shared the same Alberge in Orisson walked by. One was in flip-flops on this dangerous downhill because her toenail was damaged going down. I gave her my Tevas to finish the day. I don’t know how she made it as far as she did!
Our alberge in Roncesvalles was a restored monastery. It was very nice, in pods of two bunk beds, but noisy. I am not sleeping well at night in communal living but love the interaction with so many people from all over the world. We have met people from South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, South Korea, Argentina, Australia , Oregon, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Canada, California, and Ireland.
Candi, I know this neck thing and carrying a pack is a big deal. I do yoga every morning for about 15 fto 20 minutes. I hope you are stretching a lot in the morning before you start. This is critical stuff. You are going to make it. I imagine when you get home you will have to decompress at the Any Time Fitness gym.
Wow, “Digging Down Deep” will probably be the mantra to take away from this journey. I think as you said it is meant to be difficult, but if anyone can do it, you two can. I am thinking of you both constantlly; can’t seem to shake it. Maybe a little bit of nolstagia and for sure admiration. Love and positive thoughts are coming across the miles to you both!!
Thanks for keeping us updated! By the end of your trek you guys will be SO strong…enjoy the experience and the people 🙂
Loving your running commentary and the photos. Very descriptive, and sounding much rougher than the part we walked. Sending hugs and love your way.