4RJN
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 15th
Good morning from the camino! I left SJPDP at 5am yesterday in the darkness knowing that my pace would be slow climbing up the mountain. It was a beautiful start and I was able to get about a third of the way before the sun began to rise over the mountains littered with sheep, cows, and horses. Truly a beautiful site! I had heard the first stage was difficult that is why I left so early trying to get in as much as I could before the heat of the day as the forecast was for 90 degrees (I guess I should have left the warmer clothes at home). I do have to say as the day went on my body just started to scream at me more snd more. It truly is VERY DIFFICULT for older legs and hips like mine. Slowly the younger people I met the night before in our Hostel would pass on by, o to be young again Honestly I had thought many times there is no way I willing make it to Roncesvalles. Totally exhausted in the need of food and water I arrived wobbly legged and in burning pain at 3pm ,45,807 steps behind me, I went right to the Roncesvalles Hotel and got a private room to pass out in. I am going to stay here again tonight as it’s hard to walk at this point. In reflection the day brought both beauty and pain with both feelings of joy and doubt. Wow what a day!