Day 2 - 16.4miles - Roncesvalles to Urdaniz

The Camino is a journey of interwoven paths. yesterday as we struggled up the hills we met a German chap stood next to his car. We had a good chat and asked how come he was so high up the mountain (around 10km into the walk). He said he had just dropped off his girlfriend as she was walking the camino. He said if we happened to bump into her to tell her that he loves her, is very proud of her and that she can do it! Last night at dinner she was sat next to us! She got emotional when we relayed the message. It is a very small world. Camino dinners are a communal affair of three courses with wine for around 12euro. Not bad after a long day!

Lights out was at 10. There was plenty of snoring around the room, but my earplugs worked a treat and it was not a terrible night.

Breakfast was basic and we set off early, leaving at 7.20am.

Already we know a lot of the pilgrims and many a "Buen Camino" was shared wishing each other a good walk.

The start of the day was pleasant. It was not cold and so we walked at a good pace. An hour in and we had covered 3 miles. Our spirits high and optimistic we would make good time today.

We stopped at a small cafe for lunch and met many of our new friends. Vince turned up again for the first of many hellos today. He had found some friends and they had all slept in the forest with a campfire!

Suffiecintly caffeinated we set off again. Brisk and high spirited, the sun above us, yesterday's trudging seemed a distant memory.

Around 8 miles in yesterday's efforts started to take their toll and we became tired and sore, this was around the same time our path turned from flat and gentle into something much less friendly. In that long hard uphills are not our friends!!

Guess what happened.

We trudged onwards. And upwards.

It was bit long before the onwards and upwards actually started the descent towards the town of Zubiri. This was almost as tough, a steep path with lose stones and sharp rocks. For 5 miles. It was a challenge, but the walking poles proved their benefit.

We reached the town of Zubiri, where Vince was sat with his friends. About to swim in the river - I guess the shower for the day! This is a small town with a few bars and restaurants and the normal stopping point for the day, but we have booked a much better accomodation today only an extra few miles along the road.

Oh my fucking god.

Those few miles were hell. The guide book says a climb out of Zubiri above an industrial estate, down some steps and then a small ascent.

It was hell. 1 mile of constant incline. Steep steps then another hill, at the top of which were 3 pilgrims collopased on the floor. Another mile and we fell through the doors of the accomodation. The first port of call, opening a beer. Second a swim in the ice cold pool (I need to meet Wim Hoff on this hike to get some tips on how to deal with that!)

Its much smaller here so only 8 in the room tonight. Dinner is at 7 so only a little wait for dinner. I guess I should open a bottle of wine....