2310 hrs 2/6/11

The day was long to say the least. The trek from SJPdP to Roncesvalle is said to be the hardest of the walking. There were several places that were like strolling and others that were overwhelming. I say this with the emphasis on the latter, and mind you, I'm a tough girl! My last 3 miles were slow moving with lots of stops and counting steps in order to keep moving forward. I arrived to my destination 9 hours after beginning with breaks and lunch. I saw no one else on the trail with me, but it was beautiful and thought provoking.

A man named Guillermo from an island called Mallora, south of Spain, checked into the refugio (pictured bldg.) after I did today. He speaks Spanish only- that's a surprise! But we've gotten along really well. He has been traveling already for 21 days and has gone through the snow and very cold conditions. I was really lucky today over the Great Pyrenees that I only saw a smattering toward the very end.

I have revamped some of my stops in some towns due to some Albergues being closed during this time of year. But plan on being in Santiago on 3/7/11.

I will head out around 0800 again tomorrow for Larrasoana. 27km mostly downhill.