Last night was tough. The wind began howling around midnight and did not let off. Even though the doors to our bunkhouse were shut tight, they rattled endlessly. We set out at 5:50 am, just before dawn. The air was clear, but the wind was gale force.
Marie, Cindy, and I headed for the pass. Let me say, this was the WORST hike of my life. We went from 750m above sea level to almost 1500 in the span of 6 miles. I thought I was in shape. Boy was I wrong.
There was so much wind, and no matter which way the path turned, it was always a headwind. We climbed and climbed. Just when the road would even out, there would be another hill.
It was so beautiful, but so incredibly difficult. We had bought sandwiches, and stopped after 2 miles and ate s little bit. Then we set off again. I am incredibly slow on the hills, and Marie truly became my Camino Angel. She stayed with me the whole time, and really looked after me.
When we finally created the mountains, we still had a lon way to go. The wind was blowing so hard, but at least it kept us fairly comfortable. We stopped at the Fountain de Roland for fresh, clear, cold water.
It seemed to take forever to go down the other side. All told, it took us 9 hours. When we finally dropped into Roncesvalles, I wanted to cry. I was so hot, sweaty, tired, sore…you name it. BUT I did it.
I was met by Belle from my Camino group at the hotel. She had kindly offered to let me stay with her. What a wonderful woman. It was the rest I sorely needed.
After I showered and rested, I walked around. Roncesvalles is a very small place. It is only a huge municipal (hostel), a church, a hotel, and a couple of bars. The church was beautiful.
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Met up with Marie and the French trio for a drink. Honestly, I’m not drinking much of anything but water. Exhaustion has a hold of me, and I go back to Belle’s room for and early night.
My Grieving Widow's Tour 