Day 3 - Roncevalles to Zubiri - 22 km

I have heard from other Pilgrims that it is amazing how a good night's sleep rejuvenates the body and mind. I suppose that's why they say "never quit at the end of the day". I was surprised to find out just how true this was for myself this morning! When I got out of bed, my feet did not hurt, my legs did not ache, and I had my groove back. At the Roncesvalles Refugio there were about 50 people sleeping in one room and there were 3 floors, plus there was an overflow section that held many last night. I spoke with a few who said they do not sleep well with all the snoring in the room. As for myself, I've slept like a rock for 8 hrs each of the past 2 nights. I don't know if I have better earplugs than they do, or if I'm better at zoning out, but I hear nothing.

When I started out walking today it was with so much renewed energy, that I felt myself almost running downhill in places, with my walking poles hitting the ground before me in a quick click clack click clack rhythm. It makes no sense to me why the song that came to mind with the rhythm of the poles was "Disco, disco duck".

As I walked along the path today I thought about conversations that I'd had with people last night and the realization that everyone one was suffering with various pains, blisters, sunburns, general soreness. We spoke many different languages and are different ages, but the suffering is a constant among us all. At the same time, so is the comradery. About one km into my walk I came upon a supermercado and purchased a banana, cashews and plain yogurt. After another couple of km there was a trailer on the side of the road serving cafe. We walked through a couple of small towns and in one I decided I'd better use the public washroom that was available for pilgrims. I'm not sure what to say about this. Think what you will.....

The day wore on and the sun was hot. There were many hills up and down .....up and down ; many of the paths full of rocks. On one particularly steep, rocky section where the sun seemed to be bouncing off the rocks and into my face, I was thinking, 'this first few days is baptism by fire'. Or another way It could be put is 'bootcamp for the mind, body and soul'. As we walk along the pathways and roads the symbols of the Camino are everywhere; guiding us in the right direction and saying, "yes, you're on the Camino!"

Tonight I am staying at a private Albergue (same thing as Refugio or hostel), and the 'pilgrim menu' will be served in about half an hour. And I am starving!