Orisson

The scenery was spectacular. Consider the Cape Breton Highlands on steroids and you have some notion of what it was like. It was in my plan, you know...stop at Orisson after a leisurely 9k hike.  I didn't really believe that 8.5 k of that distance would be uphill, and not just gradual. Some of it became quite steep. It got to the point where I would walk 25 paces and stop to rest. And then another 25 pieces, and another stop. And then another, and another, and another…

The good news is: my feet and legs seem fine, although I have a bit of cramping in my calves. The bad news is: the pack – I thought I pared down most things, but it appears that the sleeping bag is going to be an issue. It's iset on the back of my pack but it tends to pull me backwards and stresses my shoulders. It may go to good will by the time I get to Pamplona.

But with the Camino there is always more good than bad. I met a lovely group of Canadians from Saskatchewan this morning, we hiked more or less together through the day, and are spending the night at this first Auberge in Orisson, and by Providence or good fortune have managed to be in the same dorm. There are five bunks, ten people, one bathroom, two showers (that you access with a token received from the innkeeper that gives you five minutes of water in 20 second bursts).  

I am about to sit down for this evening's pilgrim meal-- smells like beef, and the red wine is poured!

Today's music - Corelli, La Folia (my daughter and I played this together years ago)

Today's paces:  11,265

Tomorrow's prayers:  my family: Kathy; Kelsey; Krista; Kevin; Kelton; Keaton; Kinsey; Gert; Marion; Barb; Brenda; Susan