SJPPP to Roncesvalles (June 25, 2024)

Mileage: 15.5. Elevation gain: 4,518 feet!

Alarm set for 5 am for me so I can enjoy a coffee and a small breakfast and maybe a shower. Today will be warm, evidenced by the thick fog outside right now.

Fog in the morning means clear skies later
Two young ladies literally skipping down the street, so anxious for the day to begin
We know our day will be about 15.5 miles. Signs help us remember…
Our first stop at Orisson. The views were amazing and the food and shade welcome
If you’ve watched “The Way” you will recognize this building at Orisson. I was so excited to see it!
Horses grazing and playing
The open road
A scenic stop
My still muddy shoes but enjoying the view
Happy to be doing what we’re doing!
The long and open road (again)
We thought we were done with the hills…
The marker noting we are entering Spain “Navarra”
The woods were so dark here
Emergency shelter – locked of course
One more look at the mountains
Thankful for the shade
Our hotel- Hotel Roncesvalles
And our dinner which included a fried egg

Tracie and I so were both so happy to come out of the woods and find the town. The uphill was hard but some of the last 3 miles of downhill were equally difficult as we picked our way down.

I really wanted to walk all the way from SJPPP to Roncesvalles however the views from Orisson were so amazing it might be the better stop for the first night. Then the day into Roncesvalles wouldn’t be such a killer! Just a thought.

One foot in front of the other today was all we could do. It got us to the destination. We are both so grateful and amazed at this accomplishment.

What a day that will not ever be forgotten!

#GR65inFrance #viaPodiensis #CaminoFrances

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