Up up up and OVER the Pyrenees mountains.

So first things first, the Pyrenees mountains did not shrink in the last 10 years and if they did not enough to make the forget any easier. I think my mind has erased the pain and suffering from 10 years ago, except, well, when I crossed 10 years ago the weather was very mild and partly cloudy -PERFECT crossing conditions. 

Yesterday: foggy, dizzy, everything damp then wet.  Why is that important?  Sweat doesn't evaporate nicely that way and when sweat doesn't evaporate you can overheat.  During the climb to Orrison and then onto Borda out was frustrating to have to stop quite often to let the body cool and heartbeat come down which is not why makes the legs happy.

Along the ascent Lynne was frustrated at the lack of a view of anything but fog.  I assured her nature was holding off for a grand reveal upon our arrival at Borda - and boy did we get the reveal!  The pictures we took do nothing to capture the beauty, but dammit we tried and and tried!

Arriving at Borda, which was absolutely amazing.  The host, Michael, was a live wire and comedian and a damn good cook. The place, on pilgrim standards, was top notch with everything thought out from the mindset of experienced pilgrims.  The host not only fed is a delicious meal with Basque vegetable soup 

Basque potatoes ogratin

Axoa, a Basque potatoe dish with peppers

Of course a shitload of bread, water, and wine. 

Finished with Flan de Yogurt, another Basque favorite of flan made with yogurt.

Add to the Michael's unique comrdic styling and animated made for a very memorable experience and the issuance of Margarita as a tail name to one of the more experienced pilgrims.  She certainly kept Michael on his toes and us in stitches.

Today brought a comparatively easier climb, but still a test of fortitude and resolve.  Luckily there were more consistent gradient sections allowing me to kick into hill climbing mode and burn up the slopes, Summit, and drop down into Roncesvalles.

Roncesvalles had really grown up since my last visit with a bunch of modernizations and a current rehabbing of the hotel roof and vital systems (the Wi-Fi no longer sucks, it is professional grade setup now, smooth and fast. 

I want to take a moment here at the end to get away from the physical journey, I'm not ready to touch upon the spiritual journey yet, that will come later...  No I want to touch upon the mental journey, I am just going to put this out there : I AM SO FUCKING PROUD OF LYNNE!  Having undertaken readiness prep several times, I can say she has really embraced the journey.  I know it is so damn easy for us to pick things apart but let's be honest, she crossed the Pyrenees singing not suffering in misery like so many others.  I know it is hard for people to be proud of her but take it from me, people should be proud of her accomplishment and let it stand on it's own merit. 

Tomorrow, Zubiri, Sunday PAMPLONA where my friend Charlton is currently hanging out awaiting my arrival!  It will be so nice to meet him again and walk some sections of the Camino together. 

Anyways, that should be enough for now.