Day Three on the Camino Francés: Challenges from Roncesvalles to Zubiri

Day Three on the Camino Francés: Feet vs. Rocks

Y’all… my feet felt like they’d been through a shredder after walking from Roncesvalles to Zubiri. Nobody warned me about the miles of jagged rocks, and I swear, YouTubers left out half of the reality of this section. Every step sent a jolt through my legs, and my muscles screamed with every climb and descent.

By the time I reached Zubiri, I had to pause and consider my options. Should I stay another night, ship my backpack ahead to Pamplona, or just take a bus? Part of me wanted to push through every step of the Camino Francés, but I also had to listen to my body. This is hard. Really hard. And I am not exactly a spring chicken.

Emotional Trails

Walking alone through dark, wet, and cold weather left me in my head. Day three wasn’t just a physical challenge. It was emotional. I found myself questioning whether I’m a good mom, whether I’ve failed professionally, and wrestling with insecurities I thought I’d left behind. Yesterday’s euphoria felt far away, replaced by the stark reality of exhaustion and self-reflection.

And yet, that’s the Camino Francés. It’s never just about beauty or accomplishments. It’s about facing yourself along the way, noticing what comes up, and letting it teach you something.

Small Joys Along the Way

Even on the toughest days, the Camino Francés surprises you with little gifts. A kind farmer handed out free plums along the path, and I stumbled upon two of the most beautiful baby kitties I’ve ever seen. Those tiny moments lifted my spirits and reminded me that the journey isn’t only about struggle. It’s about noticing beauty where you least expect it.

The trail, the people, the animals, and the scenery all work together to create a mixture of challenge and delight. Every mile, no matter how painful, also carries moments of magic.

Connecting with Fellow Pilgrims

Interacting with other pilgrims, even briefly, gave me a boost. Sharing laughs about sore feet, trading stories about our travels, or just exchanging smiles. These moments make the Camino Francés feel like more than a personal journey. You realize that while you’re facing your own challenges, you are never truly alone.

Supporting the Journey

I captured some of these moments on video, from the rocky trails, tiny surprises, and even glimpses of my fellow travelers. You can watch these moments on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy following my Camino adventures and want to help me keep sharing, you can support me by buying me a coffee. Your support keeps these stories alive and helps others experience the magic, challenges, and lessons of the Camino Francés through my eyes.

Reflections from Day Three

Day three reminded me that the Camino Francés is not just a physical challenge. It’s deeply introspective. You face exhaustion, discomfort, and your own thoughts, but you also discover resilience, patience, and the unexpected joys along the way.

Tomorrow promises a day where I listen to my body, soak in nature, and appreciate every step. You can read about that next in Day Four on the Camino Francés.