Sunday, April 28, 2013

Day 7 walking. Every day has ups and downs April 28

Day 7 walking, Puerte La Reina to Estrella 22.4km


And the path certainly had its fair share up ups and downs. The first climb of the day seemed to go on forever.... And we were battered by icy winds. Hard to imagine you can be so cold in sunshine. Started out dressed for cold, well I did, merino leggings, trousers, etc. Worked up a sweat going up the first climb, so removed the jacket layer near the top, only to add a lighter jacket layer a little later.



The time we get going in the morning is very much determined by the group in the room where we are sleeping. No-one stirred particularly early this morning, so we didn't get up until around 6.30am, and out walking by around 7.15am. Other rooms were already cleared by the time we got up. But the previous morning, our room seemed to be the early starters, and we were out on the road by 6.30, walking in the dark. There seemed to be a lot more people on the path today, not sure why, but most were in a definite hurry, and we were frequently passed.

We always say that we are walking our own camino, and don't want to get pressured into walking the pace or distances set by others, but there's just a smidgen of pressure when people keep passing you, especially older pilgrims. Don't fear, I've been able to resist so far, so should be ok. There are some amazingly fit people walking the camino. Haven't seen 81 yr old friend for days. Good on him.

We passed through some amazing villages today.... Usually at the top of a long climb.

Today had been such a hard slog. Legs ache, feet tired, blister still sore, shivering cold, and blustery wind.


In Estella, we have checked in to a hostel, also at the top of a long hill, but a little out of town, so we won't be going anywhere for dinner. Think I might curl up in my sleeping bag for a while.



We have walked 114km, plus several kms sight seeing around towns.

Notes to self
  • 22.4km Puenta la Reina to Estella
  • Albergue Juvenil Oncineda.  Bed 9.90€. Meal 9.80€. Breakfast...not sure of price. Too exhausted and cold to go out.
  • Carry toilet paper with you.
  • Hot chocolate is delicious on cold days. So is warm crusty fresh baguette
  • Walking poles are not necessary when walking on bitumen through towns, especially early in the morning. More pilgrims should be considerate about this. Clack clack clack clack.
hot chocolate... more like Quick, but so warm and delicious!

1 comment:

  1. as long as you're not too tired to blog mrs l; i don't want to miss out on the adventures. p.s. have you tried the old wives tale of peeing on your blisters yet....

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