Day 1 begins on Tuesday 14 April and as most days to come – a 6am wake up for a 7am start. We plan to stop at Orrison (8km up the road) for a bite to eat and a coffee. Once I left the flat of the town which lasted about 500m, the climb over the Pyranees began. That was the last of any flat ground for the next 25km. The road kept going up and up and up.
Leaving StJPdP was like leaving the past behind. The steepness of the climb and the energy needed to keep going allowed one to look back at the past and watch it get further and further away.
Once past Orrison there was no turning back. StJPdP was out of sight and only the future lay ahead. What was in store was blissfully unknown.
The next stage was to get over the top of the Pyrenees and this was far more challenging than was expected. The steepness of the trail, the cold of the wind and the snow made it very difficult.
The Basque ponies in the high meadows seemed content in this environment and brought a comfort to the soul. The summit was spectacular with views that showed a grandeur fit as any reward for the weary traveller.
It was hoped that the descent would be a relaxing walk done to Roncesvalles. But this was a mistaken wish. It also was steep, slippery and treacherous in parts. It tested the mind to keep going knowing the reward after a long day was just ahead. The last few kilometres were just as hard as the previous. But upon arriving in Roncesvalles the feeling of elation and satisfaction was enormous and fulfilling.
Today’s journey was full of new faces and stories from all around the world. It is easy to see why so many take on this challenge.