Estella, continued.

This pix gives a good idea of some of the hills we have been climbing on the way to Estella.  Just long, steep grades, that make you realize how little our pampered daily lives require of us, physically.  Glutes, hamstrings and quads all get a workout and all four of us realize the value of our hours in Gold's Gym and trainer, Cort Best, for Robert and John. It is not an overstatement that we could not  sustain this high mileage at the start without a much higher level of fitness than we had 3 years ago-when we reached Estella at the end of Day 9. The difference is startling.

We arrived at Estella in time for evening mass at San Pedro, at which a dozen of us from half a dozen countries received the Pilgrims' Blessing.

Day 6 - Puente de Reina to Estella

Pix of the Puente de Reina on Saturday, day 6. This trip requires us to walk much longer days than our first Camino, three years ago. We are scheduled ahead to a hotel and need not worry about accommodation, allowing us to walk longer days. We are strong, but 5 days of  20+ km days are taking a toll in tired legs.    Wine, as always, is the anesthetic of the Camino, and it and chocolate are a great ending to long days.

Our first rain today, intermittent with a chill wind made raingear a welcome comfort. I find that as long as my head is warm and dry, the rest takes care of itself.

Over the Alto to Pardon

The four of us at the Alto Del Perdon on Friday, the famous Hill of Pardon seen in the movie, The Way. Yes, climbing this does make one mindful of forgiveness-by God of our sins or by us of someone else's. Why else walk this road if not to become different and better? 

Beautiful fields of yellow along the Way. No rain after 5 days when the forecasts said the opposite. We are strong and frequently marvel that we are finally here.

Rest Day in Pamplona

Image of Our Lord Jesus Crucified in Pamplona Cathedral where we attended mass and Morning Prayer. It does remind one who has a sense of religion that this pilgrimage thing is about more than just yourself...

 

A relaxed day in the city before a long day on the Way tomorrow. Great wine here. John communed with Don Ernesto at the Bull Ring and (with Robert) in the Iruna Bar!

At Zubiri - "Another Bottle Please!"

Got to Zubiri Tuesday after an easy day compared with Monday's challenges. The barn cats from our previous walk out of Burgete were still as hungry as ever! Zubiri in sunshine is a perfect place to sit, drink and meet fellow peregrinos - and we did all three late into the night.

To Burguete

Our first day walking on the Camino was marked by more challenges and more overcoming of them!  Patricia awoke with a rash similar to the one John had just overcome with a doctor's help - and rather than proceed with that risk, we sent our colleagues ahead and went to the doctor and then pharmacy on Monday, finding a doctor without appointment and being on the road by 10am.  We caught up with our friends by 1:30pm and then proceeded to cross a 3600 ft mountain on a trail over 28km (about 18+ miles with incidental walking thrown in).  We all made it to our hotel with no blisters or injury. Day 2 will be easier!

To ST Jean Pied de Port

We have arrived at ST Jean Pied de Port after train ride from Lourdes and an interesting layover in Bayonne with lots of conversation with fellow pilgrims on a sunny afternoon. Pix in the Church at ST Jean is John and Bob Feliz.

Small Miracles..

While in Lourdes, John had a rather dramatic health episode, a virulent rash from head to foot which we attributed to an unknown allergy (we'll spare you the pix we took for our dermatologist back home!). More important than the rash was the toll it took on John's energy levels two days before we begin walking. When it resisted treatment from our usually effective French Pharmacist, we had to find a Doctor, on a Saturday morning, without an appointment, and in a language we speak imperfectly. But we did. More effective treatment is overcoming the rash. Pix is our beer break while we waited for the  pharmacy to open. 

 

In Lourdes

Friday and Saturday in Lourdes, which always reassures that faithful hearts from across the world still come to France, after 158 years, to share the devotion of a little peasant girl who responded to an invitation from a visitor from Heaven.  "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary; for those who do not believe, no explanation is possible."

Pix of the evening procession, under a full moon which my iPhone could not capture. The 4 pilgrims and the statue of the Crowned Virgin, in front of the Lourdes Basilica after we walked in the Friday night procession - pix credit to our comrade Bob Feliz.

On the Way

We are on the way to France on Wednesday evening with friends Helen and Robert.

Getting Ready

Out for last training hike last week in preparation for the Camino. At least John looks like he is ready!

30 Years

William turned 30 yesterday.  Can't believe it's been 30 years since that wild and ultimately wonderful -and very long - day at the 121 Evacuation Hospital in Seoul.  He's on Reserve duty, so of course we dressed up and celebrated at the Mount Vernon Inn!

Snow in April

Yes, it is snowing in Annandale...