Orisson>Espinal

June 21What an amazing hike! Left Orisson at 7:15 after a bowl of coffee (literally a soup bowl) and toast. I ordered a ham and cheese for the road and I was off. I walked mountain pastures with goats, cows and horses. I went very slow letting my breathing regulate my pace. I reached the peak at Col de Lepoder feeling strong. The top was 4350 feet, a long way up from 450 feet in St. Jean! I walked alone, but I would see other pilgrims like colorful dots on the hills ahead and behind. The trail down to Roncesvalles was a mix of terrain with pockets of low pines, dense canopied hardwoods, and grassy scrub. Downhill sucks, trekking poles are a godsend. Had a coffee in Roncesvalles and called ahead for accommodations and found a casa rural 10 k away. I visited the cathedral and pushed on, inspired by high octane coffee. Navigating the trial was a little more difficult through villages, but saying hola and pointing in a direction and saying Camino, si? (Always followed by muy bien! muchas gracias!) Has worked wonders so far. Currently living in luxury in a private room, the bathroom is shared, but the water is hot and didn’t have a timer! Dinner was a creamy green soup with a Spanish name I didn’t understand, red wine, water, bread , pork chops with roasted red pepper and a custard for desert. I enjoyed talking about the day with other pilgrims. My bag is packed and I’m ready for tomorrow!
Packed 2L h20 used 1.5L

Hiked Orisson > Espinal 20k