Hello, from Pamplona. We just finished our third 1/2 marathon and we are extremely tired and feet are very sore. Out first night in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, we sat down at dinner with 20+ people from many states and countries to include two women from the University of Maine! Small world we live in. We set out the next morning to cross the Pyrenees with 20 pounds on our backs and no idea how difficult it would be for us. I think we are the slowest pilgrims here! The climb was 10 miles straight up and 3 miles straight down through rocky terrain. We found out later that we were not supposed to take the route we did down because of the danger warnings, but since we were all alone, we didn't know of any other route. We did, however, make it in time to get one of the last beds in the 183 bed albergue in Roncesvalle. We shared a room with about 20 other people from all over the place. Ontario snored all night and is was difficult to get any sleep.
Lesson for the day: that extra weight called a guide book in your pack, read it. It clearly outlined the caution of taking the dangerous route and how to avoid it.
Day two we hiked another 13 miles to Zuburi which was supposed to be an easier hike but our toes did not agree. We ended up with blisters on this day instead of the first. It was actually much easier going uphill today with the sore toes. Who knew that going up would feel good after yesterday?! Lesson of the day: welcome your fear of the uphill climb, it will be easier than you think.
We needed our laundry done since it was day four in the same hiking pants for me, so we ended up wearing shorts and a tank top to dinner while our laundry was drying. It was freezing so we had to have a little extra Spanish wine to stay warm! Pretty funny, really. We had a delightful dinner, again meeting more people from all over the world. So far, if I can remember, we've met people from Germany, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Australia, The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Ontario, New Mexico, Vermont, Arizona, California, MAINE, North Carolina (now living in India), and of course, France and Spain.
Sarah is having some serious knee problems but one of our new acquaintances is a doctor, so she was able to provide some much needed extra strength anti-inflammatory medication and in the morning we found a sports shop that had a knee brace. They say the camino provides and this was a good example. She hobbled along for the entire day, but again, we made it.
We are now in the old section of Pamplona and at 6:30 we're ready for a shower and bedtime. We have a private room in this very quaint pension that should allow us to get a much needed rest.
The scenary has been absolutely amazing and the buildings are so beautiful. I'm having a little trouble with wifi and getting pictures transferred from my phone, but will try to get some on here soon. The wifi is usually only available in a small area in every building so we can't just sit in our beds and update. We're having better luck on Facebook, so that's the best place to follow us in photos.
Good night and I will be back soon! I'm too tired to proof read so please be forgiving!
