Do you want a lift?

 

Valcarlos to Roncesvalles  Day 2

This was going to be a very hard trek, even without injuries, but I was determined to try it, so the offer of a lift was not even considered, although it was really kind of Alejandra. Setting off was exciting as I realised that although I hurt it wasn't going to stop me from walking, or at least trying. There were a few other pilgrims at this time, having passed no one yesterday we kept overtaking a German couple and them us; wishing each other Buen Camino as we passed. This is the greeting used, and at first, it felt a little contrived, but we soon fell into it.

We were pleased to have chosen this route as the low clouds at this stage meant no real views  and people we met later saw nothing at the top of their climb; our serious climb came at the end of our stage and it came with a vengeance, but the views along the river that acted as our guide were wonderful; we didn't feel cheated.

This walk tested us, in hot weather it would have been almost impossible for me. Using our poles to drag us up the inclines, stopping every few minutes to catch our breath, we realised that it lived up to the title of one of the hardest days on the whole Way. At times it felt like you were almost touching the ground with your body.

Seeing the monastery appear, just as some sun popped out, was magical. I had seen this so many times in videos and in my research, this was the place I had to get to. The first sight elicited an excited squeal from me and a huge smile, not only had the tortuous climb ended we had arrived at the one place I wanted to get to, if my knee and hip were going to stop me doing anything else.

Queueing in line for our sello, the stamp you collect at each point, we realised people were queueing to see if they could get beds in the Albergue in the monastery, so we decided to come back later as we stayed in the posada. 

    First course! 

Lunch called and it was fabulous. Casa Sabina squeezed us in, as long as back packs stayed outside. We were lucky as others were turned away. A really good three course meal costing only €22 was not what we expected, but we were delighted and felt like we had really earned this one.

After checking in and going through our routines we wandered around the area, adding more miles to the day. After visiting the church and soaking up the atmosphere we returned to grab two cafe con leche as it had started to turn cooler. We were over 3000 feet now and I had on a strappy dress with flip flops! It's all I can carry and it is my outfit to change into every day. 

Tiredness didn't come as easily, maybe I was starting to believe I might be able to do this and my brain was working out the next stages and planning took over. Whatever happened I finally went to sleep knowing we had completed stage 1!