Archive | June, 2022

WALKING ABOVE THE CLOUDS

14 Jun
SUNRISE
Just over ten miles of both climbs and descents to undertake as we set off from Orisson at 07.30 in brilliant sunshine. The views were spellbinding,unravelling at every turn in the track.
The mist being burnt off.

Horses roam freely up here – provisions for the still flourishing French horsemeat trade.

Newly born foal being taught the Green Cross Code.
There are no permanent facilities up here,but there may be a pop up van.
He just pops over from the nearby border with Spain, you can tell that because the prices are so reasonable.

At this point you leave the narrow road and continue the ascent on well worn tracks

Heading towards the highest point
The border crossing in to Navarre ( Spain ). Wish all borders were like this.
Eventually, the track descends for a long way to Roncesvalles
Most of the walking has been done either on grass verges or grass itself.
Another horse with no name!
Roncesvalles in the far distance.
Getting ever closer
Almost there
If something differentiates
Roncesvalles from other neighbouring towns, it is its history, its legends, and for being the place chosen by pilgrims to start
the Camino de Santiago, known as the French Way.
I was surprised by how small this town in
the Navarrese Pyrenees is , it only has 30 inhabitants for the importance it has in history and the number of visitors who pass by every day.
Settled on the Ibañeta pass and the last town in the Auñamendi region, it was
a passageway used since prehistory to enter the Iberian Peninsula. But the really important thing is their constructions.
What most impresses when arriving at this
town, a shelter for walkers and a meeting place for cultures, is its medieval monumental artistic ensemble such as the Collegiate Church, the tomb of King Sancho VII, the Fort and the old pilgrim hospital.

https://images.app.goo.gl/EPZo55kJ7qGupFEG8 Use this link for lots more information about Roncesvalles.

Hotel Roncesvalles a very pleasant stay and dinner.
Another great day on the Camino Frances and the amazing Pyrenees are now behind us – unforgettable.
And it’s good night from him.

We Begin Our Saunter up and Across the Pyrenees from St Jean Pied de Port

13 Jun

We agreed a 07.30 start to our climb up to Refuge Orisson after breakfast.

We took the Route Napoleon.
The gradients were gentle at first, but soon began to lengthen.
The sunlight and the views were spellbinding.
Local,information board
After three and a half hours walking we were approaching Orisson – our first stopover .
A welcome sight and the venue with its panoramic balcony proved to be as good as I had hoped.
Mary and Rob arriving.
The view from our Eight bed dorm – an Albergue experience for the group!
View from the balcony cum terrace.
Relaxing after a good mornings climb.
A tradition at Orisson is for everyone to introduce themselves and say why they are walking the Camino – some of our group felt a little shy so after Tom said a few words I introduced the rest of the group and gave my/ our reasons.

Buenas Tardes,

We are a group of Jubilados, sounds so much better than senior citizens.

We are a group of refugees from disunited kingdom,or Little Britain as it now known. So relieved to leave an island ruled by evil people and take refuge here in Civilisation, or Europe as it is sometimes called.

We are all of a certain vintage, we have all walked Caminos before.

Our goal this Summer is Burgos,when in a fortnight we have to return.

Most of you will doubtless pass us on the way, please say hello and if by chance in a bar have a chat – you may discover a professor of chemistry,a cycling violinist , a director of the 3rd age university and a multi lingual player of the organ,amongst many other talents- you may discover a professor of chemistry, a cycling violinist, a director of the 3rd age university and a multi lingual player of the organ amongst many other talents / we are a convivial bunch, not a closed community.

This is our opening day and once again I puzzled myself with the question why am I walking the Camino…again, after about 12 caminos . To conclude our introduction,

I liked this note written in the Pilgrim Book in Roncesvalles and cited by John Brierley :

“ I am doing the Camino once again,looking for something I left behind, or perhaps never found. It’s like coming home.”

And so good night. Tomorrow we climb on and then down to Roncesvalles.
Newer Entries →