DAY 1 – CAMINO FRANCES: PAMPLONA TO PUERTE LA REINA
WEATHER:- Not that bad. A bit of drizzle, but certainly not cold.
DISTANCE:- 17.09 miles / 40,746 steps!
The one where I had a Camino cry, stopped to look at the flowers and smell the curry!
MY MOOD / THOUGHTS:- I had a very deep conversation with a fellow pilgrim today which resulted in quite an emotional moment. The Camino always offers something, no matter how many times I walk this trail.
I also realised that I’m now fitter than I’ve been in a long time and it really does make a difference. When your body feels good, so does the mind. I’ve had a fantastic day and feel full of life. I so needed this journey!
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HIGHLIGHTS
🔦 We left Pamplona in the dark after a cafe con Leche and chocolate croissant.
🏠 We stopped at a University to collect a stamp before heading into the hills.
🚶♀️ Today I met lots of new people and my little book of pilgrims is coming along nicely. We befriended people from Japan, Germany, Serbia, France and the 🇺🇸 ! Everyone has a story to tell and a luxury item in their rucksack.
🥗 Lunch was a warm cheese and ham tortilla and a cafe con Leche.
🏔 We reached Mount Perdon (also known as the iron statues). I’d forgotten how spectacular the views are from here (350 meters). We also visited the mini circle of stones that represented 81 bodies that were killed.
🧘♂️ John got a fabulous photo for the AG photo challenge. Ssshhh!
🐦 There were lots of birds today all singing away. Huge dead frogs, cute kittens and a few massive caterpillars! 🐛 🐸
🚶♀️ On the last section we were fixated by a weird constant smell of curry (must be a plant of some kind?), olives, almonds, soles and mistletoe.
✌️ I befriended a little Japanese lady called “me”. She’s had a tough time and fell over on the route down into Roncesvalles. She’s smaller than me and is carrying nearly 15kg (not lbs!) on her back! She’s looking to find a religion (yep!) and wants a peaceful mind. She asked me how did I find peace? I gave her one of my peace pebbles and told her to use this when she is feeling down. She started crying and gave me such a hug it was rather sweet. I’m glad I could help, and I wish I’d brought more pebbles with me.
🏨 Checked in to the hotel at 3.30pm. A welcome hot shower, washed my clothes and I’m now enjoying a glass of cold red wine. They keep red wine in the fridge over here, but it’s lovely.
Signing out now. See you tomorrow.
#camino #caminodesantiago #pilgrimage