Today, Day 6, is a day of rest. After 5 days of walking we decided it was time to rest.

Pamplona to Estella

At the end of each day – when my feet are on fire with pain – I wonder, what the hell was I thinking that I could do this?  I fall into bed too exhausted to move and think, that’s it.  I’m done.  Let’s catch a bus to the beach.  But then there’s a new dawn, new trails, people to meet and wonders to see so we rise and walk again.  Left, right, left, right, one foot after another. Onward to Pamplona.

Pamplona

Leaving Puente La Reina

The Great Shoe Debate

Before we left home me, myself and I had the great shoe debate of 2015.  Knowing my feet as well as I do I told myself to pack a pair of sneakers but my pack was full and I was afraid of the extra weight. On Day 2 I knew I’d made a mistake.  In the tiny little village of Puente La Reina we found a tiny little shoe store.  Not my first choice of colors, but as I said, vanity has no place on the Camino.

My relief shoes. I change shoes every couple of hours.

My relief shoes. I change shoes every couple of hours as we walk.

Patchwork Quilts

We walked away from Pamplona and for two days we walked through patchwork quilts of green and yellow, such vibrant colors there are no adjectives to clarify the depth of color.  Pictures cannot begin to capture it. The greenest greens you can imagine and the yellow blossoms (mustard seed) are everywhere.

Pamplona

We’ve been told the yellow blossoms are rape seed (horrible name) and they are massed produced for the oil. Rape seed oil. Seriously, they couldn’t come up with a better name?!

Into the Wind

On Day 4 we walked into the wind, the sky was misty gray and the temps had cooled considerably, perfect hiking weather.  If it stayed this way for the next 30 days I’d be a happy hiker.  A girl can dream.

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The World Before Us

Day 5 found us passing through yet another sleepy picturesque Spanish village.  We turned a corner and came upon a friendly man who encouraged us to follow him.  We took a few steps, turned a corner and saw the world before us.

Pamplona

The world!

This sweet man planted his field for the world to see and each day he approaches passing pilgrims and encourages all who pass to see the world.  He doesn’t speak a word of English, he doesn’t need too.  If you listen you understand.

Pamplona

This man planted his field to show the world to passing pilgrims.

Will I Make It?

I suppose every pilgrim wonders the same thing.  Will I actually make it to Santiago?  For me, I know my head and heart are willing, but will my feet carry me there?  I don’t know. But, here’s the thing. The day we walked over the mountain from St. Jean Pied de Port, I told myself that if we went home tomorrow it would be okay because we had conquered that damn mountain.  So we take each day as it comes and we’ll just see how far we get. That’s all any of us can do.

Day 4

April 15, 2015

We walked 15.5 miles

Highest elevation: 2,625′

Day 5

April 16, 2015

We walked 14 miles

Highest elevation: 1,900′

Pamplona

You never know where the trail will lead you.

I’ve posted more photos on the blog’s Facebook page and on Instagram.

Buen Camino!

 

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