Well there goes my idea of leaving early… I sleep badly. Possibly due to the fact I put my special foot cream on last night and before washing my hands, I ate some biscuits. I felt sick for hours, when I finally did sleep I had whacked out dreams (I can’t even tell you about them they where that gross)…! I was awake by 4am but no way was I getting up. I did eventually at 6am.
6.30am, I’m walking the alleys of Pamplona, following the signs, the scallop shell plaques in the floor, and some pilgrims in front of me.
I’d like to say I feel refreshed by my stay at the Maisonnave Hotel. I can’t recommend it enough, it was an above quality 3* hotel. The problem is, once the backpack goes back on, it’s as if you never took it off.
As we leave Pamplona, I brace myself for some serious rain. The clouds, the wind, it all looks imminent. But it’s now nearly 6pm, there’s been no rain only high winds and blue skies!
As I pass through a couple of smaller villages I’m constantly looking up at about 40 wind turbines high up on the ridges in front of me. My gut tells me, that’s where I’m heading. Yep, I am. (The wind turbines give Pamplona all it’s power). The climb is ok, but as I reach the top I’m almost blown over by the wind… Luckily for me as soon as I’m at the top, I begin my decent on the other side. The landscape is laid out in front of me, villages dotted almost in a straight line. Each one I pass through, Uterga, Murazábal and Obanos. I was looking forward to seeing a modern statue of the pilgrim in Obanos, marking the junction of the caminos Francés & Aragonés. I didn’t see it…?!
By midday I arrived in Puente la Reina (Gares). This is my stop. When I got here so early I did think should I carry on? But no, I’ve planned the distances so I have some easier days like today of 22-24km and I have some longer days of 28-33km. I stay, my hostel costs me 4€. I find a shop, I wash, I rest, I explore. I’m now writing this. I’ve seen less wildlife today but at least I’ve seen some.
Also, thanks to my dad, my total raised has jumped from nearly £3000 to nearly £4000. I guess this means he now trusts I’ll finish what I’ve started?! I can’t thank you enough dad, and everyone else. Without everyone supporting me, I’d have been about 10 kilos lighter and feeling selfish about walking the route just for myself. As it is, my pack weighs twice what it should (pain), but I have an immense sensation of doing something good (pleasure)…!?! Hmmmmm…
I hope everyone’s well back at home and enjoying the pictures of my feet.