Day 2: Roncesvalles - Larrasoana

Awoke relatively sore but alive. Therefore, on we went...this time with half the weight. We decided paying €7 to send a bag with our unnecessaries ahead to the next town was a nominal fee for our increased ability to enjoy this experience and decreased joint pain. Unfortunately, mine continued despite the lightened load, but we trekked on determined to have a better day than the first.

After the first day, this sign was slightly depressing.

The plethora of animals, mainly cows, that we passed throughout the walk quickly became our friends.

My three amazing Camino family members. Good-looking group.

Thankfully, the trail was relatively flat and wound through a series of cute towns, woodlands, and the occasional mudpits. Eventually, we reached the "bustling" Uzbiri, which had a plethora of places to sleep, eat and shop. Of course, we passed all that up for an extra 5km trek along the shoulder of the main road to get to a town that had none of that. Word to the wise, avoid Larrasoana as best you can! 

Trying to channel the "Wild Pilgrim" sign above us.

In one word: Rockstar.

Arrived there to find only 3 available beds for the albergue and only one other pension on the other end of town, where Dad ended up staying. Good call on the pension, because when there are 40 hikers in an overflow building, the probability of having a heavy snorer in the bunch increases exponentially. The tight quarters and stained sheets didn't help the situation much either. We ended up eating at a "restaurant"/convenience store (the only food option in town) under the dictatorship of a scattered, rude Italian woman who showed most patrons little to no respect or gratitude for business. As I was becoming increasingly more frustrated with the Basque attitude, but more especially this woman, the situation, and an extra overpriced pizza being made for us over a miscommunication, we ended up striking up a conversation with two middle-aged female hikers from Australia who reminded us that "these are all experiences that will eventually make the trip what it was!" She could not have come in at a more important time (for me) and helped me remember why we are here in the grand scheme of things. Back to the albergue for a shower, quiet fumbling around in the bag due to early sleepers (6-8pm!), and a fun snoring interlude.

Today I walked for: Aunt Karen.

Thank you for teaching me to consistently strive to learn more every day. You were passionate about helping others, and I know they are better for having met you.