1400 meters is a long way up

And yesterday, I thought that we had made it all the way to the top of the uphill. I was so wrong. The first eight or nine kilometers were still uphill, and I thank God that I did not try to do this whole distance yesterday.  Tip of the Camino: if you ever attempt the Camino do not do Roncesvalles on the first day.

But some of the highlights of the day were seeing Roland's fountain, and the Spanish fronttier steps from each other.  A lovely more or less flat walk through a beautiful beech wood forest was lovely but then it was more uphill! However at the summit, there was a Windvane obviously a Weather place, and hillside where so many programs just lay there and appreciated the view. From looking back towards France we were now looking forward into Spain. Roland's tower, and the huge aubergue in Roncesvalles were visible from miles away and then we proceeded downhill for the night.

Downhill walking has its own set of challenges. While it is easier to breathe (especially at altitude) you certainly feel much more in your legs, and I bruised the end of my toe in the front of my shoe.

There is so much history associated with this part of the country including thebattle  where Roland fell, the lingering presence of both French and Spanish cultures, and the pervasive Catholicism of the area.

I went to mass before supper, I received the pilgrims blessing. The mass was in Spanish and probably recognize the form obviously I didn't recognize many of the words. The gospel however iis the same one will have tomorrow morning from the Gospel of Mark about being on the way to Jerusalem. The word Camino came up many times in the homily.

The pilgrims blessing after the Eucharist was beautiful. An older priest, working from two cards, off at the blessing in about 12 different languages, imploring God's goodness upon the pilgrims for their Pious work, and strength to complete their task. I actually got a bit weepy.  Pilgrims meal tonight was delicious – sausage and pasta as an appetizer, medallions pork with mushroom gravy and fries as the main course, and yogurt for dessert.

Today's paces:  32,264

Today's music:  David Myles' When it comes my turn (the getting old song--no explanation necessary)

Tomorrow's prayers:  my home parish community in Lantz:  Christ Church and St George's and their guest preacher, my friend Dr Darlene Brewer

Today's costs:  hostel €12, supper €10