Shopping and training day

On Friday, we woke to beautiful skies and a near empty pantry. We took the mountain bus into Jaca for shopping and met an American at the bus stop, an older man named, John, who lives here in Villanua. His wife is Spanish and they apparently have homes in both Villanua and California.

He was on his way to Jaca to do some shopping as well. He gave us a few tips on riding the bus and training for Phil. There are several sections here he said where we could walk and then catch the bus back home so we will try that early next week.

After some shopping and lunch, Phil put a half load in his pack and we headed out for a walk around the mostly flat community. There is a river and two bridges so we started at one end of town, crossed the bridge and walked to the other end and crossed the other bridge. We stopped for a cold drink and then headed home.

Phil did pretty well with his lighter pack and we walked about 2 miles. We'll increase that today and I will find ways to get rid of some of my pack weight (like carrying less food) so I can take more of his things in my pack.

Today we are heading up the mountain early to buy train tickets for next week's next steps to start our modified and flatter Camino Ebro. I have worked out 6 or 7 days of less than 8 or 9 miles per day over flat terrain. The route is well supported by train and bus in case we find it is still too much for Phil.

We'll have plenty of time at the end so will find a place to stay in Logroño for a few days before heading back to Pamplona on April 29 to transition to the albergue.Read more