Cramps & Charms

Day 1: St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (28kms)

CRAMPS
Our first day started off well. We stayed at an albergue (Pilgrim Hostel) with a stunning view of the Pyrenees Mountain ranges. Until we actually climbed them. Much of Day 1 was uphill and it was brutal. It wasn´t because the hike was particularly steep but rather because of my 12kg backpack. My legs were cramping pretty much the whole time. Nonetheless, I´m having a great time. The body is tired but my spirit is up. What´s great too is that Day 1 is supposed to be the toughest day in the entire Camino. So I´m glad the toughest day is over!

Upon climbing over the Pyrenees, we crossed the border from France into Spain. Viva España!

Day 2: Roncesvalles to Larrasoña (28kms)

CHARMS
The walk was a lot easier than Day 1 but my body is still sore from yesterday´s hike. But we persevered. We reached a town called Larrasoaña, however, all the albergues and inns were all full. We tried different ways to get around to no avail. We even asked if we could sleep on the floor but due to security reasons, we were turned down. We considered walking another 8kms onto the next town but on our absolute last ´try,´our persistence paid off. Just before we were to give up, I knocked on a pension´s door (Pension is spanish for a Bed & Breakfast type lodging). I took off my sunglasses and hat so as not to look suspicious - especially with this beard I´m sporting these days.

The owner answered the door and in my broken imperfect Spanish, I told him we were aware that all the accomodations in town were full and then asked if there´s any way he could help us. He whispered to my ears: ¨come and look.¨ So Aiden and I followed him. He took us to his garage and said we could stay in his garage for 10€ each. We were more than happy to accept his offer! It was actually not bad. There were 2 bunk beds. I was expecting to sleep on the floor. I still can´t believe we slept in a garage but I´m definitely not complaining. It was worth it!

Day 3: Larrasoaña to Pamplona (15kms)

We had a nice and easy walk today at 15kms. Pamplona is a beautiful city known for its running of the bulls but alas it´s not until July. Anyhow, the albergue we´re staying at was an old church and it´s called Albergue de Jesus y Maria. It only cost us 6€ per person. To save more money, we have been making our own meals. Usually we would just buy bread and cheese but tonight, we decided to make spaghetti at the Albergue which had really nice kitchen facilities. It was great! We shared our meal with a Hungarian couple, who in turn shared their pizza with us. This was our first hot meal since we arrived in Europe.

After supper, we visited the Cathedral where they had Eucharistic Adoration. We took some time to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. We also found out the King Carlos 3 was buried in this Cathedral.

Overall, I´m doing well. My feet and shoulders and back are tired. But my heart and soul are happy.