St Jean Pied de Port to Orrison

We mucked about in SJPP buying some last minute stuff. A tiny pocket knife with scissors, some paracetamol, tissues, and snacks.

We began our ascent up the Pyranees at 10.30am. The red and white signs of the GR65 welcomed back. We’d forgotten that the French route we did last year continues on to Ronsavalles.

We wondered a number of times if we were on the right route. We’d been told it was a busy path but we were the only ones walking it, no other walkers in sight the entire way !

It was a steady slog uphill, mostly on roads. We both felt pretty good despite having done no training, and having a cold.

We arrived at Orrison just after 1pm with stunning views over the mountains.

I would think I was on top of the world if I didn’t know about the 17 kms that we have to walk to the summit tomorrow. Eeek.

A lady was walking with her dog, but had not been allowed to stay in any of the albegues (hostels), so she has been sleeping rough, under tables, witb a tarp. We are unsure if she even has a tent.

We had a communal dinner that evening with people from around the world. I was the only kiwi and Mike was the only Pom. There were people from Canada, USA, Wales, Sweden, Mexico and South Africa.

It was a fun night with far too much red wine.

Tomorrow we walk 17km, most of it uphill.