Day 2: Made it over the Pyrenees!

Updates from walking the Camino de Santiago

Arriving to Larrasoaña

Kaixo!

That’s “hello” in Euskara, the Basque language, and a little hint at where I’ve been walking these past two days. I’ve made it to Spain, currently walking through the Basque Country, and officially finished Day 2 of the Camino Francés.

So far: the views are unreal, the climbs are real, and the mornings are early. I’m walking, and I’m grateful.

In case you missed it: I’ll be sharing updates from the Camino de Santiago, covering everything from the joyful to the painful, the random to the meaningful. As someone who cares deeply about holistic health, loves being outside, and can overthink a pair of socks, I’ll be paying close attention to the food, the physical challenge, and the inner shifts that come with walking across a country.

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Day 0-2

Miles Walked

Day 1: 15.35 miles, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles

Day 2: 17.15 miles, from Roncesvalles to Larrasoaña

Total so far: 32.5 miles, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Larrasoaña

Favorite Fuel

Bananas!

State of My Pack

I ditched a pair of hiking pants, so now I’m down to one. Priorities. I ended up bringing two pairs of the double-layer socks the Ekosport sales associate recommended, plus one pair of merino wool and a pair of sockliners. So yes, I packed both options.

I’m still trying to keep things light, though. I brought just one guidebook, and I’m so glad I did. It’s been incredibly helpful for planning each day and building my own itinerary. I’ve been ripping out each stage after I finish it, which is practical and deeply satisfying.

My dearest guidebook!

Pain in My Butt

Feeling great so far! For those who don’t know, I have a chronic glute injury that started flaring up before my trip. But I’ve been stretching in the mornings and taking breaks during the walk to stretch again, and my glute feels good! I love walking.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• Wish I brought my portable charging block. As I write this, I’m sitting on the kitchen floor in the albergue (hostel for pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago) charging my phone

• Wish I brought a longer charging cord!

Wisdom Along The Way

• You’ll always find a place to sleep. No need to rush to get into town to reserve a bed. —fellow pilgrim

• Get into town by 1 pm if you want a bed. —fellow pilgrim

• Don’t do the Camino if you’re rushing every day to find a bed. Stay home. —a guidebook I read pre-Camino

Photos!

Leaving Hôtel du Palais for Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port!

Picking up my scallop shell from the Pilgrim’s Office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port!

Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port

Early morning on Day 1

Water fountain

Horses grazing

Finished with Day 1!

Horses and cattle grazing in the pastures along the Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is well labeled!

End of Day 2! Showered and wearing clean clothes! Met a new friend at the albergue who’s into photography, so we did a little photoshoot :)

I think I’ll reach Pamplona tomorrow where the Running of the Bulls takes place in a few weeks, but I’m not planning too far ahead. I just walk, see how I feel, and decide from there. So far, it’s working.

Gero arte (“See you later” in Euskera),
Rebecca Grace