Tuesday, May 24, Day 2 On The Camino

Woke up this morning to the singing of two men walking through our dorm to wake up the pilgrims. I thought it was a rather nice way to wake everyone and get them going as checkout at most hostels are 8:00-8:30 AM.

It slept fairly well though I am still suffering from jet lag and the nine hour time difference. I have only had fourto five hours of straight sleep since arriving in Amsterdam. I still can’t fall asleep and wake up at night hungry. Last night I may have had more because the long day and also because the facilities were so comfortable. I do sleep with ear plugs as was suggested and I think most others do too.

I was looking forward to an easier day as yesterday’s section is suppose to be the hardest on the Camino. As it turned out it was a little easier but I think from the physical strain on the body, especially the knees and feet from the downhill, everyone appeared to be going at a slower pace.

The hostel is actually a little more than a mile outside of Roncesvalles and once in the small village there are a few small restaurants and stores that seem to cater to the trekkers.

There is definitely a difference in the breakfast food in Spain than in France, where it’s basically bread and jam. The popular breakfast in Spain is an egg and potato omelette style cake. It’s served in most restaurants and even in stores. It’s like an omelette mix with different items and sliced like a piece of pie. I thought the plain egg, potato, and cheeses was great and it turned out to be a handy food to carry wrapped in foil for lunch. Found my main protein and carb stay for the Camino.

The other thing I noticed was how friendly the Spanish are. Not to say the French aren’t, but if you were to place me in either one of those countries with ear plugs where I couldn’t hear the language, I would definitely know I was in Spain by the smiles or the frowns.

The start of the walk today was through the village of Roncesvalles which looks very quaint and story book like. The streets are narrow and the shops are mixed in with the brownstone type house. I love seeing the people sweeping their steps and the people standing on the corners having excited conversations using their hands. I thought only the Italians did this? With as many tourist that must go through here locals still seem very friendly and will say hello.

Our goal for today is to make it to Zubiri, about 14 miles away. Most of it was fairly level, with several steep downhills, and still several steep climbs, but most not as bad as yesterday. The downhills seemed worse today but I think it was because everyone’s feet and knees were still feeling the steep decent from yesterday.

The trail was mostly on a dirt trail with some areas of concert downhills and even long areas of wood, rock, and concert steps. I attempted to walk on the dirt side of the steps or steep downhills because of the Wheelie, but found it difficult at times.

The scenery was very beautiful as we were still in the Pyrenees foothills. The trail follows a river that eventually brought us into Zubiri. We crossed a picturesque stone bridge into the small village of about four hundred people. It was about three in the afternoon and it had taken us close to seven hours to get here.

There were limited hotels and hostels in the village, and the first few nice ones were already full. I was preparing for whatever we might find as the hostel in Roncesvalles was so nice that it might have spoiled me.

We found a fairly nice hostel and there was room for the three of us. We got there early enough because later saw people standing at the counter turned away. We were in a room with about ten people French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean, and Americans of course, and at least two snorers.

The people on the Camino are from all over the world. It seemed that most were from France starting in Saint Jean, but perhaps because they may only be trekking the French section? We met a few Americans, but they are definitely not a majority.

Lights out tonight at ten, as in most hostels. Breakfast will be part of our 13 euros and will be served communal style on bench. All part of the Camino de Santiago experience and adventure. It’s rather nice because some of the people we already know from the trail and this is only day two.

Please excuse the typos, spelling, etc., as this is typed on my phone laying in my bunk.

Best wishes to all,

Ted

Walking through Roncesvalles