Its official downhill sucks!

The most incredible alarm clock..... Gregorian chanting as the monks walked around the dormitories announcing it was 6.30. I think that will always remain one of the highlights of my trip
Breakfast was 7.00, and started walking at 0730.

Started the day with Stafan and Michael. We soon separated and I continued on with Julie from Colorado.

Conversation was easy, and the walking okay...though there were times when it felt like surely we could walk no further uphill, and I struggled in the full sun. It was a mix of forest, and open walking. I finished this section and the rest of my day with Karlin and Eric from last night.

There's always a case of be careful of what you wish for.... the downhills were sure tough going. More because of the mix of gradient and surface combine. There's a reason the last section is called the devils teeth!

My knee certainly felt it, perhaps not as bad as I feared. I am super chuffed that I made it as today was my most dreaded day. It was good to have company.

The highlight was a vulture flying directly over us. The sound of its wings as it flew close, and the sheer magnificence of its size... just incredible

Accomodation tonight is the municipal albergue with 20 of us sharing a dormitory. It's clean, and there is a kitchen, so tonight is self cater for me. Rice, tuna, veg followed by a fruit yoghurt. Not convinced my washing will dry tonight, and there is the threat of heavy rain and thunder storms tomorrow.

The funniest story for today was when Eric discovered that the underpants he had hooked on his backpack to dry had fallen off. On recounting the story another pilgrim replied oh my God were they purple...yep the were. She'd spotted them hooked on a tree branch. Bless him, I think it will be a point of many jokes for several days to come

It'll be an early to bed tonight so to get an early start in the morning and potentially avoid the storm

The goal tomorrow is Pamplona.

Steps today 43066
Miles 20.78
Total so far 57.16 milesLæs mere