The Monastery looked after us well – an exuberant atmosphere from all who’d hiked the pass and into the deep valley.
They put their own spin on wake up calls too with the entire huge complex waking to monastic chants at 5.55am . Hard to count but 450 pilgrims a night and a multi restaurant / bar setup means good business.
They don’t mess about when you order packed lunch’s – 3 courses in your own duffle bag.
In medieval times this place was a fortified village and holds shrines and chapels of national importance- we visited some on the way out.
The basque villages with an Alpine feel
Led us to the real trail and a break by a ford for foot care and a chat .
Including TK again – Thom and she have decided they’re Spiritualy linked .
Monsoon came in – ponchos on – just head down and get to destination time .
The boys went on as their pace is 6 k p.h. and got lost briefly 
– so I ended up at the overnight Albergue St Nicholas waiting while having a fascinating chat with Leda and her dog Joya. They are 40 days into a camino starting in Germany. Thousands of kilometers at a pace entirely based around the dogs comfort . Again – more amazing people with gripping adventure stories.
Dinner at 7.00pm – interesting multi national table . Good stories – lights out at 10.00pm leaving me completing this as the last light in the building.
Night all xx
Night night xxx