Very few elevation changes today which made for an almost leisurely walk. Walked along with a couple of new friends and with some familiar faces. Gathering my Camino family.
9/15 To Najera: Paths
9/13 To Viana: Today’s Paths
Ups and downs. Highway walking. Flat, gravel paths. A snail’s pace on the ups n downs, and a shift into high gear on the flats.
9/12 to Los Arcos
Today’s paths: A mountain and a dry, hot, flat road.
Luckily, had a private room at an albergue. But I had to share the bathroom with the two guys next door.
9/11 Stage Six: Puenta la Reina to Estella
9/11 Puenta la Reina to Estella
I’ve had a crazy day created by a series of bad decisions on my part. Leaving Puenta del Reina, I sat on a bench right before the bridge and updated my blogs because I was too tired last night. Consequently, I didn’t cross the bridge until 1000. Then stopped for breakfast at the first village and carried on. I got very hot. Had water, but nothing with electrolytes and no snacks. Was walking very slow and hot and nauseous. Stopped in Lorca to taxi to the town before Estella but the whole town is closed per Covid. Learned this after waiting over an hour thinking things were closed midday. Walked on to Villatuera. Only 4km to Estella, which I could do, but was too late in the day. So took a taxi for the last four km to Estella.
A sample of today’s paths.
9/10 Stage Five: Pamplona to Puenta la Reina & Alto de Perdon
Up and down another mountain. The Camino is busily training me. I had been dreading the rocky descent past the peak (Alto del Perdon) because it kicked my rear last time. However, this time, I didn’t find it so exhausting. At the bottom, I passed the bench where I’d stopped and stretched out last time ( wondering how I’d get up and continue the last 11 km). I wasn’t even tempted to sit for a bit.
Stage Four: Larrasoaña to Pamplona
9/8 No mountain today!
Stage Three: Burguete to Larrasoana
9/7 – 25 km / 16 miles (Actually came out to be 17 miles)
Beautiful and treacherous! Just about the time I’d think the treacherous trail would go on forever, the Camino would offer a respite (and then say, Just kidding! Here’s more rocks for you!
A hard day. Hard. If I’d navigated that trail any slower, I’d have been stopped.
9/6 Over the Mountain and through the Woods
These first few days are hard. I walked this same path two years ago, and what I remembered was the beautiful forest walk. Just as well I’d forgotten about the steep climb and relentless, steep, rocky descent.
More to come. More photos. More narrative. I have a day off tomorrow and will catch up.