Walking The Way

Sept 11- Started my day with an awesome breakfast I needed in order to walk today. I walked 27 KM from Pamplona to Puente la Reina. Today was a bit rough due to heat. The sun was shining all day with a temp of 93!

The first half of the walk today had us walking through some small towns, and then uphill on gravel trails to Alta del Perdon, a milestone location for the Camino de Santiago. There was very little shade on the trails today. To get there you have to climb a pretty massive hill. We did this in the full sun today and that made it challenging for us all on the trail given the heat. The second half had me walking downhill the remainder of the journey, primarily on dirt and rock. So challenging for a few reasons.

I walked with many new friends today from all over the world. It was fun getting to know them, and just like every day, everyone helps everyone, stopping along the way to fuel our bodies with some food to provide us energy, and water to keep us hydrated. I for one drank a total of 6 liters of water while walking today. So glad I had my platypus water pack!

As the day went on, people started dropping out due to the heat and choosing to stay the night in towns closer to where they were at the time. I considered it, but although hot, I was handling the walk okay. A small group of us wanted to see the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Eunate, known for its connection to the Knight’s Templar. This meant walking out of our way 4km at the end of a very hot day to do so. So off we trecked to see it, because….why not right?

Finally I reached Puente La Reina much later in the day. Hot, sweaty, dirty, hungry, tired, and finally with a blister on my heel. It was a very long day (the longest I’ve had on this walk). Very proud I made it to my destination and am now relaxed in an air conditioned room.

Thoughts for today: there is no right answer when it comes to walking the Camino. Each pilgrim needs to choose when they are ready to stop and let their body rest for the day. It doesn’t mean you failed. It means you got smart and listened to your body. There is no hurry here and that means you choose what to do with your walk.