We always knew today was going to be a challenging day, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Rain, fog, sleet, snow, strong winds, a huge climb and very tricky descent.
The day started in lovely St Jean Pied de Port and then we immediately started the ascent towards The Pyrenees. Although raining, the morning allowed us amazing views of the mountains and valleys all around us. These views, however, quickly became shrouded in mist. Very quickly then, the sleet and snow began and this was to continue for the rest of the day!
As we moved to higher ground we became surrounded by the snow topped Pyrenees mountains with us eventually reaching a height of 4,691ft. The snow at this point was so thick we needing to break the trail with our steps. A very strong wind also came in at this time. It was certainly exhilarating, hard work too!
As we neared Roncesvalles we thought our day would become easier, however, this was not to be. The very narrow, uneven and steep track through the woods was of course also covered in snow and this made negotiating the descent the hardest part of the day. We’re now in beautiful Roncesvalles having crossed the border from France into Spain. It’s certainly been a challenging day, but so beautiful and exciting too.
4 Responses
Those conditions remind me of ski-ing! Well done on making it through your first day, that would have been hard work and here we were thinking you’d be enjoying sun all the way xx
Agree with Jenny, looks like a whiteout on a blue run! Well done hopefully weather improves although no sign of it here. x
Wow! Epic start!
Thanks for all the comments everyone. It was a day that will long live in our memories!