Peggy's Pyrenees: in Her Own Words

From Peggy's email to me. I am joining her in Pamplona today.

The last two days are difficult to explain but I am going to   give it a try.  Upon arriving at the start of the French Camino it was so exciting as everyone was there for one purpose and so excited while wishing everyone "Buen Camino".  Hikers are positive people.   I began my walk with the traditional croissant, juice and my supplements :) served by my B/B host. 

Passport and Shell

It is dark here until 7:15 and that is when he served so I was off about 7:45. The town was so quiet as I believe a lot of Pilgrims started earlier. So I was all by myself. I was nervous about finding the way I was going ( as there are 2). But no problem and soon I met people from all over the world as we walked. 

The first 8-9 km was all up hill and just turns-no switchbacks.  For you MWOC folks I was doing okay but should have started with my poles.  I won't go into everything but this walk was the hardest physical thing I have ever done.  It was basically 10 miles uphill with a grade between 5-15. There were about 4 miles of flat and 2.5 miles where you dropped 400m.  I was doing great and then my left hip got so sore I wanted to cry but my only option was to keep going.  The flat and downhill were much better. 

On the lower trail 

My hotel is wonderful and after the longest shower I have ever taken and a delicious pilgrim dinner I feel much better.  I don't have to walk for two days so I should be ready to go. The rest of the walk has a very small elevation gain so I should never run into a day like today again.

There were water faucets along the way to fill bottles

On the positive side it was drop dead gorgeous, we had beautiful weather,  I met so many friendly Pilgrims and I made it!  I also learned humility as I thought I wouldn't have any problem.

We were in Basque Country. Beautiful sheep, horses and cows.  

No fences.  Who would leave that gorgeous feed

Lots of religious signs

 Thanks for your positive thoughts that helped me get through this day.

Peggy

A hut near the top for travelers caught in a storm

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We are heading down!  But this part was hard on my toes as
it was 2.5 miles of all downhill. No flats.