Day 02 - Orrison to Roncesvalles
The weather this mornig was fantastic. The clear views back down towards St. Jean were spectacular. Got packed and headed up to Refuge Orrison for breakfast after which we headed for Roncesvalles. It is difficult to keep a steady pace along here since you need to stop all the time for photos and video shots.
At one of the route saddles I dropped my pack and ran up to see if Leitzarateka (1414m) was easily accessable but it would have taken a bit too long and we needed to ensure we got good accommodation in Roncesvalles. Further on Astobizkar (1499m) was covered in deep snow. I did manage a small detour up Burregieta (1441m).
Towards the track summit there were numerious sections of the track nearly covered in snow. Luckily only the very last part of the track, before descending, was blocked by a small drift which one could get around easily. Sometimes you can even get snow flurries well into May that can block the track. The direct descent down through the woods is hard on the knees and could be quite tretcherous in wet weather.
As it turned out the Monastry in Roncesvalles is huge with hundreds of places for pilgrims. The dormitories are beautifully maintained with all facilities and nearby there are plenty of places for good food and beer/wine.