We walked twenty kilometres today and it wasn’t easy. Three days of rain have turned the track to a muddy rock slide. And it’s taking a toll. This morning we met two walkers with injured knees, and another hit the deck right in front of us. Thankfully, she was okay and fortunately we, ourselves, are injury free so far.
The first ten kilometres required every bit of our old tramping skills: from straddling puddles, to avoiding tree roots and slippery rocks, to sloshing right on through.
Sunflowers in the rain at Zuriain
At Zuriain, 4 kilometres along the way we were feeling bullish and decided to push on to the next town rather than stop for coffee.
The walking man
At the next town the cafe was closed. It was another two hours and we were on the outskirts of Pamplona before we got food. “Hangry” may have been a thing by then.
I scoffed a tortilla and a filled roll. After that the the sun came out, the going got easier, and before we knew it we were in the heart of the old city of Pamplona.
Cathedral of Santa Maria, Pamplona
As we wandered along the cobbled streets I could hear the thundering hooves, and the cries of the crowds, and smell the tomatoes – in my imagination anyway.
The remainder of our walk to Cizur Menor was along paved road. It was a relief to not have to watch every single step.
Suddenly, the line of walkers disappeared. Most people overnight in Pamplona. It was just us and the road. John said: “I’m impressed with how the way is marked out for walkers.” And you guessed it – the way markers immediately vanished. We’d missed a turn. Our guide book, previously judged as likely unnecessary and a little OTT, saved the day. It has maps. And maps – well, they’re good, eh.
Within a few minutes we’d found the way markers again.
A way marker in the pavement in Pamplona
Cizur Menor is only five kilometres past Pamplona. It’s an easy walk – even if my shoulders don’t agree – they think they are dying.
They’ll be better by morning. Of course they will.
Categories: Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain
Jill's Scene 
Those gorgeous sunflowers must’ve lifted your spirits
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Too bad about the weather, Jill. I would probably be very slow & cautious on this stretch with the slippery walkway. I’ve taken so many falls on these kinds of paths before, I don’t know that I could have made it 20 km. Good to know to use the map on the stretch from Pamplona to Cizur Menor. Helpful tidbits. Hope your shoulders are surviving. 🙂
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Hope your shoulders are well rested, as are your feet, and your tummy is full of good food.
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We are loving your writings and following your every step. So reminds us of our own time there 11 years ago. Interesting how communication has changed and all so immediate — your blog/ Facebook/ etc. Now, doubtless at day’s end, every pilgrim rushes to find a power point to recharge batteries for all their electronic gear. When we were there, it was more a question of finding an internet cafe to keep in touch with the outside world — assuming it wasn’t closed for siesta, of course !
Keep ’em comin’. J+G
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Hope your shoulders feel better tomorrow! Take care.
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Lesson learned. Accept food and drink when you come across it. Likewise a toilet.
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Yup, absolutely!
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This is so, so cooll! The Compostela trail has long been on my bucket list—though I sincerely doubt I’d have the stamina, even ten years ago, to do it. Kudos to you for taking it on—and for sharing it with us! Yes, your shoulders *will* be better by morning. I’m going to be sending you healing vibes all day 🙂
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
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Thank you so much, Jill! It wasn’t a hint. I was just curious to see a pretty bit of the way, but I guess there’s a lot of luck involved in the walking. You can never guarantee the weather. Well done for sloshing ahead and very many thanks for the link. 🙂 🙂
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