Malt Loaf and Solsic

8^th September 2011

Saint - Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles

6am.

 Outside was dark with a thick mist all around a perfect time to make a horror movie . Soon the sun broke through producing a glorious day. A quick protein shake for breakfast and my camel pack full of solstic and I was ready to go.

Simon watched me head off and immediately I started to climb and climb and climb. Every time I thought I was at the top, another mountain appeared it was endless. The views became more spectacular as I headed up into the clouds and the only sounds were of cow bells and my heavy breathing.

Malt loaf and Solstic a brilliant combination was in my pack and whenever I could I would stop and eat a piece have a drink and admire the view.

After 4 hours I was sure I was about to reach the top, I hadn’t seen anyone in ages, at my last malt loaf stop I had lost my map and I was begining to wonder if Ihad got lost, Luck has it that I came across a French farmer  who told me that I had gone off the track by 5km……….(no swearing on the Camino) although I did come across a group of Irish people who’s every other word was fecking………

The Farmer advised  the only way back was over 2  big mountains or double back on myself so I went over the mountains it was really knackering but amazingly it ran parallel to the French/Spanish border which was only separated by a small fence so this allowed for a rare opportunity those once in a life time moments you have to take, so I took  a bite of malt loaf with my head over the fence in Spain and ate it in France...... that’s got to be a first!!!!!!!!!!

Finally I re-joined the Camino and 1 hour later got to the top. The ride down was exhilarating and scary but a great relief and within a few minutes I was in Roncesvalles and ready for a beer and a good night’s rest. What a day………………………….