As you will see from the photos below it was an arduous and challenging day with plenty of steep slopes and deep snow in places. The views were truly amazing… The sun was shining most of the day … The day ended with our arrival at the Roncevalles Monastery where we received our pilgrims blessing and supper too… All for 9 euros!
Today it finally dawned on me that the most fantastic thing about the camino is the people you meet on the way and what you learn from others…and I don’t just mean from the close friends who were with me.
Last night we shared our Valcarlos Albergue (hostel) with some really super pilgrims. ‘Bossy’ Joanne from Auz pricked my conscience by reminding me that by mopping the floor in bathroom I fulfilled my role as true pilgrim by taking nothing for granted. Philip showed me that a pack of 3kg is possible ( he is writing a book about trekking gear… Watch this space) whilst Norman amazed us all by carrying his 25kg pack without breaking into a sweat (see photo below)
Steff from Germany generously shared her Haribos just as our blood sugars were running low and Neil from Scotland / Canada made me think about the true meaning of the pilgrims blessing… Yes it was all in Spanish (yes really!) but it felt signifiant and meaningful never the less.
Tonight we met some lovely ladies; Rosie (quiet but dangerous) Jane ( team leader and Organiser) Jane 2 who was celebrating her 48th birthday and Suzanne (retired teacher and ‘good time’ girl)..,,,they are a group of friends out to have fun on the camino.
Caro, a primary school teacher and second time Camino trekker managed to convince her mum to join her for the week … No hair straighteners or hair driers in their lightweight 9kg packs !
Quote of the day…. Who said this whilst getting dressed trying to protect his modesty?
First pilgrim
‘Don’t worry I’ve seen it all before….I used to be a nurse / midwife’
Second pilgrim:
‘Ah yes… But you haven’t seen mine!’
Bedbugs and Blisters 
Trust Richard to be sitting with the blondes!