Here we are  at the top of the summit. We followed along the line of wind turbines you can see on the left. We were greeted by a food/coffee cart, brought up by donkey, to aid exhausted pilgrims for their tough down hill ascent!

This is looking back at the view as be begin our steep climb.

Each view that our eyes are blessed to behold is breath taking! The country side of Spain is so beautiful. Our scenery is par excellent! A canvas waiting for its paints!

This was our path going down for 1666 feet. The other side of our grueling 2333 uphill climb. We were climbing with a man from Ireland, whom we asked why is he doing the Camino. His reply was "at this point I am not sure". It was challenging!

As you follow us along, we are following our Camino path by markers along the way. A blue tile with a yellow shell and a yellow arrow set in the walls of towns and cities. A shell in the sidewalk, along with yellow arrows painted on the sidewalks and streets. Outside of a town there are cement markers with the same tile square. Where the path becomes woodsy, or just a rock path, there are yellow arrows painted on the trees, pieces of wood, or on the ground. Where they can place a shell plaque they do. There are times we need to be most attentive for when the road splits, we need to make sure we take the right one! At points you can easily miss your mark! Our yellow arrow is now leading us to Puenta la Reina. We left Zurguirei almost nine miles ago. We made reservations ahead as we are finding the alberges are filling up quickly because of the weather. There was a huge snow storm that hit between St Jean and Roncevalles yesterday. Praying for those pilgrims who were caught in it. Thankful we were ahead of that. We do continue to weather the rain we been having. Reached our resting place here in Puenta la Reina. We have a private room to rest through Sunday. Attend church and read. Last night was terrible. We started off with having dinner which was swimmingly good. After diving into 30 weight motor oil to find my chicken and potatoes, it tasted pretty good. I was concerned with my stomach not taking to the oil! Randy had his first flan, he liked it very much. I chased my motor oil with some plain yogurt. In each alberge when checking in, we are required to remove our shoes and leave them at the door. At times it is very awkward. No room to remove our pack as it is so crowded. So bending over with your pack on feels like it could send you into a somersault. We then headed up to our bunks and proceeded to have a terrible night's sleep! No, not the motor oil- All languages become universal in the night time choir of an alberge: Bass bass, lofty alto (top bunk) spring spring. If I had any composing ability I could make a musical piece to put myself to sleep. Instead I am kept sleep- less and then...all is quiet! As I lay there now listening to the quiet, I still remain sleep less! It begins again. Bass bass, lofty alto. , spring spring and with a putt putt!! Oh sleep where for art thou? Today was not too bad even though we had another 400 meters (1333 ft.) to climb. What was most strenuous was our down hill assent of about 1666 feet. It was brutal. Uneven rocks all the way!! Makes my legs kind of shaky! Travel warning: American woman (me) sees a basket on a table with what appears to be free hand sanitizer packets. With great appreciation she takes a few. To her surprise, it was revealed they were not the desired hand sanitizer packets but condoms. Both provide protecion, right? So to each of you- Stay calm and Buen Camino Mucho Amor! The Bates

I saw this painting in a little cafe in Viscarette. It captured me as it depicts the pilgrims on The Way. 

   My very tired honey after a very cold and wet

Day. Arriving in Roncevalles Albergue none too soon.

The Cross that leads our path and governs our steps..step by step.