Monday 24 July 2023

Napoleon’s crossing to Navarra




 Starting early, our party walked through the old town of Saint Jean Pied du Port, and began the climb pretty quickly. The weather and conditions were good, so we decided to follow Napoleon’s path way. It was the Path Napoleon army took, to catch the Spanish of guard and take Spain. There was little break from the continual climb. The path changed from gravel, grass, slate and clay. One section had deep mulch, a kindness to the feet, that had now travelled 25km. 

After 7 hours our journey was done, we came to a monastery at Roncesvalles and beds for the night.

Seeking tapas and wine, we found a place on site. The Sommelier recommended the wines from Navarra region we were in. 

The white was a fresh straw coloured offering, young but very drinkable. Perfect with the selection of Tapas. A fellow pilgrim joined us, who we had met on our way to the summit. Mike was a friendly American, with a twinkle in his eye. Very good company, and now with four on the trail, the white was dispatched quickly, so we moved onto the red. 

The red was youthful again. Very reminiscent of some of the northern Rhone wines, I used to drink. Earthy, with great red berries and a gentle follow through. 

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