Day 3 walking. On to Zubiri. 24 April.

Absolutely beautiful day walking from Roncesvalles to Zubiri today.

Had an early start.... Well, according to Hostel rules, lights on at 6am, but there was sooooo much rustling of plastic bags, and packing sleeping bags, and padding down to bathrooms...... From 4am!!! Who could sleep?

Roncesvalles Albergue is MASSIVE. We were on the first floor, in a dorm of about 150 people with bunks set in groups of 4. Very nice and new. Good bathrooms. Excellent.  We attended the Pilgrim's Mass in the local church, followed by Pilgrims' Blessing. Yes we were blessed!

Suffice to say we were up early! No breakfast here, but they have plenty of options in the vending machines, and a well equipped kitchen.

We passed on these, opting for breakfast at one of the villages along the way.
First couple of hours, it was very cold. Fingers were freezing. No gloves in our pack, but not necessary after that. Found a great little supermarket, and bought goodies for lunch.

Baguette, salami and queso azul (blue cheese). Didn't look like blue cheese we know, but sure tasted like it. Yumm

Lots of up and down walking today, along well kept paths through farmland, forests and villages. Beautiful sunny day. Enjoyed it all

On two occasions, sheep were herded through village streets beside us.

Notes to self

• 22km  Roncesvalles to Zubiri
• Municipal Albergue Zubiri  Cheap option at 8€ each, but only get what you pay for. 2 dorms with 22 beds in each. Bathroom is separate building altogether, so really hoping not to need to get up in middle of the night. Must remember not to partake of too much vino tinto.
• One of our new friends is seriously worried that tiny black dots on disposable sheet may be bed bugs. Really hoping they are NOT.
• But I have now had a new shower experience. Clothes getting wet was really nothing to worry about. Communal ladies only shower - no separate cubicles, was a new one for me. I'm sure some of you are having a chuckle about it. How did I get to this stage without communal shower experience. Protected I guess. But I have showered today! We are here for the full range of experiences, so we'll take it as it comes. But might check notes on hostels more closely in future. All good. Haha.
• Pilgrim's menu 9€ each- 3 courses at a hotel in Zubiri. Good
• Picnic lunch is a great idea.

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