Sunday, May 8, 2011

May 7 St. Jean Pied de Port to Orisson
















The climb to Orisson was just as tough this year as two years ago but this time the skies were clear and the views were spectacular, as breathtaking as this cardio-intense climb itself. The start of the Camino Frances is baptism by elevation - just straight up. But every time my steps started to flag I just thought of Alicia and reminded myself that she's climbing a much tougher medical mountain every single day right now and is doing it with grace and courage.

We passed several groups of pilgrims having picnics on the side of the path overlooking the steep drops; always a good time to pick up your step and try to look like you're not struggling too hard. Image is everything. Orisson appeared much sooner than expected and we were greeted by a friendly Basque welcome "ongli etorri" from our host Jean-Jacques. Being second time pilgrims staying at his gite, we scored a private room with a double bed. We spent a long afternoon meeting and visiting with all the other pilgrims who decided to enjoy this respite half way up the mountain. One of the highlights of the afternoon was a huge herd of Shetland ponies clomping down the mountain road. Not a sight one sees everyday.

We were also lucky that our clothes were washed and dried before the rains came. It rained all afternoon and evening and the winds were so intense. I was sure we were in for a wet walk over the Pyrenees tomorrow but, in the middle of the night, when I left our little private room and had to go outdoors to get into the main albergue to use the washroom, the midnight sky was ablaze with millions and millions of stars which usually forecasts a clear day.

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