Reality Sets In . . . and More to Think About

September 14 - 16

Having finished the first and most difficult day with plenty of energy to spare, I had high hopes for breezing through to Akeretta. Although the walk was slightly longer, the 18 miles were said to follow an "easier downhill path through restful plains and lush forests." As you can see from the photos, the walk fully delivered on both beauty and tranquility. Taking exception to the supposedly easier terrain, my feet started to moan toward the end of the walk - most likely punishing me for my speedy pace and warning me not to underestimate the Camino! In case you are wondering how Bill is holding up, I would say that he is far more respectful of this pacing thing but his knee is giving him fair notice that there are 468 miles yet to go. 

The walk to Pamplona on the following morning started with a steep and slippery route through the woods requiring plenty of pole planting to stay upright. Before too long, we found ourselves meandering along ancient churches and over stone bridges before passing through the old city walls of historic Pamplona.

With the first 50 miles - said to be the most challenging  - under our belts, we celebrated with huge helpings of risotto and paella in the Plaza Cathedral. It was just a short time ago that we sat at the same cafe watching pilgrims arrive and wondering if we would be among them. But before you get the impression that we are now true pilgrims, I have a confession to make. Remember that hotel we stayed at when we first arrived in Pamplona - the one with the convent rooms? Well, we decided to relocate to the Gran Hotel La Perla in the Plaza del Castillo (known as Ernest Hemingway's favorite) for our day of rest. Fortunately, I still have plenty of time to contemplate the true meaning of life on the Camino in days to come.

~ Buen Camino, Carol ~