We hated to leave Roncevalles because the hotel was so nice and cozy. It was once a monastery and now converted to rooms to accommodate pilgrims and tourists.
We knew we needed to go 17 miles to get to Larrasoana, but we had no idea how difficult the terrain would be. Lots of ups and downs and rough pathways.
We’ve read that the Camino gave one time to contemplate life, where you’ve come from over all the years, who you have become, and how you want to direct your days and years ahead. But the only things I’ve been thinking about on the trail are how sore my calves are. Will that sore spot on my toe develop into a nasty blister (it did)? Why is there so much walking!? Will my racing heart explode on these steep up hills?
Of course, there was so much beauty along the way. Some of the rocky roads were very hard, but we also wandered across wooden bridges over calm waters and through pine forests that left their scent on you as you passed.
By the time we reached Larrasoana we were ready for a shower and a good dinner. Our host at Pension Peregrinos, in this tiny village (most pilgrims choose to stay at the larger city, Zubiri, which is a couple miles back) says there is a Michelin starred restaurant here. However, being humble pilgrims, we ate a local restaurant and were not disappointed by the quality of the meal and the very reasonable rate.
Digital Postcards 