From orisson to zubiri

hola, we see that our first post didn´t work so we are trying again. so much to say and not enough time. our first day to orisson was really tough even tho it only covered 5 miles. it was all very uphill , steep, and half way up it started to rain and the fog set in so we were glad we were staying in orisson the first now. we arrived wet but met lots of great people and had a wonderful pilgrims meal with them that night. left the next morning about 7 and luckily the clouds broke and we could see the mountains. it turned out to be a beautiful day...cold and windy at the top of our hike , 6 plus hours, getting to Roncesvalles. Again, it was tough and slow going at time but the views were spectacular , glad we started from St.jean. Roncesvalles is such a cute place. stayed in a monastery with 120 plus other people. gene was my bottom bunk mate thank goodness. a nice young man was 3 feet away on my right. it was interesting watching everyone going to bed and getting up in the morning. not as noisy as we expected. went to a pilgrims mass that night , very beautiful and emotionsl when all the pilgrims were invited to the altar for a special blessing, given in several different languages. A pilgrims dinner followed at a local restaurant. lights out in the dorm at 10 and lights on a 6 the next morning. A real toughy today. no way walking thru vanstory hills or the cape fear trail had us prepared for this. lots of up and then lots of steep down on lots of rocks and stones but again pretty as we went through forests most of the way and cute small towns. we stopped for resfreshments a two of them. We are now in Zubiri after about 12 miles of walking, 7 hours. our accomodations tonight are also in a municipal refuge , top bunk , no rail but luckily we are still bunkmates. hopefully off to pamplona tomorrow. long day. hasta from gene and susu