Stage 3: Burguete to Larrasoano (25 km--20 degrees)

Another perfect day! Although the forecast predicted 10-15 mm of rain we did not see it. In fact it was a very comfortable weather for today's hike. We spent last night in Hostel Burguete which was a favourite of Hemmingway and is mentioned in The Sun Also Rises. You will note, however, that it
has not improved my writing style.

For all of my (Betty's) flower loving friends, stay tuned for Laurel's photos. We are constantly amazed by the diversity of flowers, flowering shrubs and trees.

No blisters yet although we have discovered some new muscles.

Stage 2: Orisson to Burguete (23 km Up & Down!--18 degrees)

Last night we met our fellow perigrinos and enjoyed a wonderful supper together at the albergue. While having coffee, as if on cue, a rainbow appeared outside and everyone rushed out to take a picture.

We turned in early and had a pretty good sleep (only one snorer in our hostel room and it wasn't Jim!). We woke at six and after a breakfast of toast and strong coffee we headed out to cross the Pyrenees. We started out with about 20 other hikers but soon it was just us and the sheep. Rain threatened but never materialized and we walked in pleasant cool temperatures all day. Going up was not as tough as we thought it would be, but going down into Ronsevalle was far worse. We missed the general ascent route and took an express route down--our knees and shins did not like it!

The good news is we are finished the hardest part of the journey. Two days down, 33 more go and no blisters yet!!!

Stage 1: St Jean pied de port to Orisson (8 km Straight up!--18 degrees)

A perfect first day! From St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to Orisson (France) 8 kms up a steep hill in the Pyrenees -- perfect scenery, perfect trail, perfect weather, perfect company! Our reward is showers and a pitcher of sangria and a can of Coke on a terrace looking out over green mountains and valleys dotted with grazing sheep.

Here we go!

We all made it to Toronto and now we are off to Madrid.

Snow and Ice

Beautiful weather, big blue skies and wonderful views of snow and ice (and nobody to share them with at 6:00am)

Training on the hills of Ile D'orleans

Walked a 26 km loop on a small island in the St. Lawrence river outside of Quebec City. As promised it was hilly. I am fortunate to have a friend (Sheila) willing to walk with me in all types of weather.

Betty in Training

Training is going well and 3 weeks before departure I know that I could walk the Camino in 30 days if it was flat. I will start adding some elevation 'tomorrow'… I am a walker but a lazy one!