An early start.....Zubiri to Pamplona

An early start to the day as rain was forecast. Up at 6.00 out by 6.30. Pack covers on, ponchos not... the rain never really much more than a light shower throughout the day.

It was good to walk in the dark , and it helped the miles fly. I love the dark walks, there is a peace about the world, and all is quiet. Just the rhythmical tapping of the hiking poles on the ground

The route follows along the river through part, and it was a pleasant walk. Lovely rapids and waterfalls, and lots of greenery. Though there were several long inclines, and a couple of challenging descents on rocky, wet surfaces. Not much in the way of built up areas so no stops along the way

Today I walked all day with Karlin and Eric. Easy company and many laughs. Karlin spoke at length about her two children that died. Like the last Camino, the thing that strikes me most about a Camino is the depth of conversation with relative strangers who fast become friends.

It is in the sharing of our own personal journeys we find different perspectives and a better understanding of both ourselves and others.

We met up along the way with Bill and Luann. Strangely they are all from Minnesota. It was good to hear they had seen Michael last evening as he was really worried about the downhill sections of yesterday's walk. He made it

Tonight we caught up with Angie an Aussie who I've met several times. She's struggling a little with aching shoulders... mind she's done incredibly well as she is walking this directly on the back of completing the Camino portugues. She's finding it tough going with being a vegan too as it means she is having to cook every night.

It was a real culture shock walking into Pamplona after the peace so far. It's a lovely city, but it's big and busy. My legs and feet were doing so well until we got into the city, and our pace slowed, having to stop at traffic crossings etc. My calves are definately feeling it. My knee is a little swollen, but otherwise on. Feet are good. Let's see how easy it is to get out of bed in the morning....

The great thing with starting so early was that we got to the albergue before 1.00. It's a municipal albergue. At 11 euro a night with free washing machines iits a great find. (Though try as we might, I don't think any of us mastered the driers.) Clothes from yesterday were still wet... most is dry, but I will again be a walking washing line tomorrow.

Lunch and dinner have started to become one meal these days. You need to eat a decent meal before seista time sees places shut, opening again at 8pm, or dinner ends up really late.
We had an amazing meal. Padron peppers, garlic green beans, vegetarian lasagne and the chocolate fondant. The restaurant was on the recommendation of the albergue staff. 4 couses and including red wine at 15 euro each. It's now 6 hrs later and I still could not eat anything more- huge portions of incredible food.

Tomorrow is an early start again as the forecast is not good, with rain across the day, and thunderstorms later on. We have 3 miles further to walk than today.

It's funny. I'm saying we as Karlin, Eric and I have fallen into a natural rhythm of walking and planning around each other. I think we part ways for a while in a few days as we have different plans.

Enough for now as I'm shattered...

Steps 40898
Distance 19.74
Total distance 76.9 milesLue lisää