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Hope you can get the scent of lavender as you walk through Obanos...
that, and mint, are nice to have a few sprigs of in your hat or the strap of your rucksack, so you can sniff at them from time to time. sorry for your troubles thus far. Take it easy. Try to get that compeed removed, without doing yourself harm.
Day 8 - It’s my birthday & I’ll cry if I want to
What a truly odd day. Today I turned 43, but it’s the least birthday like day I’ve ever had, and that’s counting last year when I turned 42.
*laugh* we’re what 13 hours into the day and my son still hasn’t wished me happy birthday … my daughter managed it at 7am. … oh oh son just phoned for the second time today and remembered this time
Anyway, the day started early, way earlier than I would have liked … 3:40am. A couple of people getting up and prepping to leave. Thankfully most of the rest didn’t till 5:30ish.
I started getting up around 6am, and was out the door at 6:40 using some new toe socks I had bought the night before (Injinji Performance 2.0 Runner) which amazingly actually fit my toes … unlike some Knitido ones I had ordered from Amazon (and promptly returned).
I was surprised that the walk went as well as it did considering the blister. I was in Puente la Reine in 5h26 (6h20 real time). A few stops here and there to take photos, get my pass stamped in a church and offer a prayer.
When carrying the water separately from the backpack I can really tell that it’s lighter. Took much much longer before it became irritating. I’ll take that! And I know I can remove another 1.2kg (~2.6lb)
Met a lovely American family towards the end; Benny, Erika, and Karen who all apparently live in Florida. They too where find it hard going the last couple of KM. Especially as there was this junk where we went down hill and then had to go back up hill.
They where shocked when i said I had left at 6:40 from Pampalona when they had left at 5:30 from the next town on (about 5km away) … but given they stopped for food and I didn’t it kind of balances out.
Shocked at how cheap the Alberque was today. 5€! Admittedly I’m in a cramped room with 6 bunk beds (all men), so I imagine it will be hell tomorrow morning.
Not a single person here knows it’s my birthday, the room I’m in (tiny, 12 bunk beds).
Random tidbit, the last of the 100 beds were filled at 15:35. I happened to be in hallway to hear that. Was off into town to explore.
17:40 the first rain I’ve seen so far. After I sent the rainmac away (have the poncho, seems overkill to go for food)
Had panic I lost my expensive headphones. Thankfully in bag.
Only person in this bar/restaurant having the pilgrims menu. Which is surprising. I know the Albergue I’m in doesn’t do food, just has a kitchen. So it leaves me wondering where everyone else is. (I arrived at 6:30, food started at 7pm)
Had a lot of wine to myself. 2 glasses of house white (1€ each) and then about 350-400ml of red with the menu.
Tomorrow, in theory, is a walk to Estella BUT It’s supposed to rain tomorrow morning. So tomorrow i get to use my poncho but my shoes aren’t waterproof (by choice). Should be interesting. Esp as a stretch is supposed to be slippery when wet (yes yes, my second song lyric/title of this post)
Slightly surprised to find that room already has the door closed. A couple of people are already asleep. None of the 6 Asians who relaxed earlier are here.
Desperately want to put phone on charge, but too paranoid to do so. Only putting battery pack on charge. Phone, iPad and wallet continue to be in my sleeping bag liner with me.
A little sad, but that’s my own fault. my life could have been so different had I the where with all, drive and sense to run with it a few years ago. *smile* rather than a wannabe, I coulda been a contender. (Song & Film references)
Happy Birthday! Just imagine the chorus because although many will wish you that, not everyone will reply: but be sure best wishes reach out to you. You are just a wee guy, only 42!Day 8 - It’s my birthday & I’ll cry if I want to
What a truly odd day. Today I turned 43, but it’s the least birthday like day I’ve ever had, and that’s counting last year when I turned 42.
*laugh* we’re what 13 hours into the day and my son still hasn’t wished me happy birthday … my daughter managed it at 7am. … oh oh son just phoned for the second time today and remembered this time
Anyway, the day started early, way earlier than I would have liked … 3:40am. A couple of people getting up and prepping to leave. Thankfully most of the rest didn’t till 5:30ish.
I started getting up around 6am, and was out the door at 6:40 using some new toe socks I had bought the night before (Injinji Performance 2.0 Runner) which amazingly actually fit my toes … unlike some Knitido ones I had ordered from Amazon (and promptly returned).
I was surprised that the walk went as well as it did considering the blister. I was in Puente la Reine in 5h26 (6h20 real time). A few stops here and there to take photos, get my pass stamped in a church and offer a prayer.
When carrying the water separately from the backpack I can really tell that it’s lighter. Took much much longer before it became irritating. I’ll take that! And I know I can remove another 1.2kg (~2.6lb)
Met a lovely American family towards the end; Benny, Erika, and Karen who all apparently live in Florida. They too where find it hard going the last couple of KM. Especially as there was this junk where we went down hill and then had to go back up hill.
They where shocked when i said I had left at 6:40 from Pampalona when they had left at 5:30 from the next town on (about 5km away) … but given they stopped for food and I didn’t it kind of balances out.
Shocked at how cheap the Alberque was today. 5€! Admittedly I’m in a cramped room with 6 bunk beds (all men), so I imagine it will be hell tomorrow morning.
Not a single person here knows it’s my birthday, the room I’m in (tiny, 12 bunk beds).
Random tidbit, the last of the 100 beds were filled at 15:35. I happened to be in hallway to hear that. Was off into town to explore.
17:40 the first rain I’ve seen so far. After I sent the rainmac away (have the poncho, seems overkill to go for food)
Had panic I lost my expensive headphones. Thankfully in bag.
Only person in this bar/restaurant having the pilgrims menu. Which is surprising. I know the Albergue I’m in doesn’t do food, just has a kitchen. So it leaves me wondering where everyone else is. (I arrived at 6:30, food started at 7pm)
Had a lot of wine to myself. 2 glasses of house white (1€ each) and then about 350-400ml of red with the menu.
Tomorrow, in theory, is a walk to Estella BUT It’s supposed to rain tomorrow morning. So tomorrow i get to use my poncho but my shoes aren’t waterproof (by choice). Should be interesting. Esp as a stretch is supposed to be slippery when wet (yes yes, my second song lyric/title of this post)
Slightly surprised to find that room already has the door closed. A couple of people are already asleep. None of the 6 Asians who relaxed earlier are here.
Desperately want to put phone on charge, but too paranoid to do so. Only putting battery pack on charge. Phone, iPad and wallet continue to be in my sleeping bag liner with me.
A little sad, but that’s my own fault. my life could have been so different had I the where with all, drive and sense to run with it a few years ago. *smile* rather than a wannabe, I coulda been a contender. (Song & Film references)
Happy Birthday! Just imagine the chorus because although many will wish you that, not everyone will reply: but be sure best wishes reach out to you. You are just a wee guy, only 42!
Happy birthday.
Buen camino.
Happy birthday, young man!!The Camino has many gifts in store for you, and I have a feeling this may well turn out to be your best year yet! Keep slogging through the tough stuff, rejoice in the good stuff, and Buen Camino!
Buen camino! Enjoying hearing about your journey and visualising where you are. Can take at least ten day to “settle in”
Some people choose menu del día rather than pilgrim menu, maybe you could try that. A few euro more...
Please don't leave your shoes along the trail to add to the other detritus. There is a good chance that another forum member walking the route behind you, or even the ditch pigs who do this annually, will have to pick them up to dispose of them. There is more than enough to pick up without another pair of shoes.I truly need to replace those shoes, and then leave them along the route in the same way I’ve seen others do. (One pair of shoes laced together hung over a distance sign, a single shoe was left on one of the Camino pillars with a rock in it, a sprig of a plant and a couple of other things)
Yes, leave them in the donation box at the albergue! It's far more likely someone will see them there and be able to use them. If left on the side of the trail they become nothing but trash.Please don't leave your shoes along the trail to add to the other detritus. There is a good chance that another forum member walking the route behind you, or even the ditch pigs who do this annually, will have to pick them up to dispose of them. There is more than enough to pick up without another pair of shoes.
Sorry you have had shoe problems. Wishing you better tomorrowDay 11 - Frustrated
Day 8 of the Camino - Los Arcos to Logroño
Another early start and a mixed nights sleep. Didn’t fall out of the top bunk which was great, and was thankful for the blanket because the room was cold.
First people (I noticed) where up and out at 5:40 today, I caved and started getting ready around 6. Left somewhere around 6:45 by the time I got water and shoes on and so on.
Got 100m down the road and started questioning if I had everything so had to quickly check my pack. Becoming hyper paranoid about it.
Day was cool/cold, although I was largely fine in the trousers and shirt I’ve been wearing till now. The wind was bloody strong and near constant. There was barely any respite from it the whole journey.
Walked most of today alone, listening to the Critical Role podcast. That lovable group kept my spirts up and gave me energy to walk despite my feet being unhappy in the shoes.
Didn’t really stop anywhere, was too focused on trying to get to Logroño before the beds might be gone, so I missed out on places I might otherwise have stopped at.
Bumped into the N. Irish lass a couple of times, once early on and then coming down into Viana. We walked for a bit together, but I left her to have a drink & cake while I tried to amble on … fearful that if I stopped for too long I wouldn’t get going again.
I was already having a hard time walking and should have stopped the night in Viana … I realised this about 2.5km out, but stubbornly carried on to Logroño stopping ever so often to flex my left foot.
A few km later, my tendons? Above the back on my ankle got really sore and that started causing me to pause too.
A Belgium couple saw this and offered some gel to help ease the pain and basically walked with me the last 6.5km. They where lovely, and ending the Camino this year in Logroño, aiming to pickup from there next year. The man insisted on finding a stick for me so I could have a second effective pole
Got to the municipal Albergue and must have looked pretty bad as one of the staff carried my bag up the stairs for me. Wouldn’t let me do it, and made sure I had a bottom bunk (went downstairs and changed the bag of bedding for bag with the bottom number. I am still incredibly grateful.
Rested for a bit, and about 45-60 minutes after I arrived, the N. Irish lass arrived and got the bunk above mine which I thought was hilarious.
The other nearby bunk was filled by a woman cycling the Camino from Aus, and turns out she’s a member of the forum. Failed to find her username to tag her. (Boo me)
About 4 I walked over to where Planeta Aqua was, because google said it would open at 4:30. Waited & waited and it finally opened at 5. Quickly looked at stock and left.
Aimed to go to intersport but came across a sports shop in the Center. Tried on a few pairs on trainers and a pair of North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX (grr) … and despite how my feet felt, they seemed pretty good. I walked around in them a while, tried them with one and two pairs of socks on and then sat and read some reviews of them before finally purchasing them.
Should I have carried on to Intersport to look? Possibly. Probably.
It was already 6:30pm so want a lot of scope to debate, and no way I could face the 45 minute walk out to Decathlon and back again.
I don’t know anymore, and quite honestly I’ve been on the verge of crying throughout the day, a tear did roll down my face as I walked back to the Albergue after dinner.
I’m conscious of the money wasted on shoes. I’m incredibly frustrated because I had easily done the distances in my old Badminton trainers without issue. My feet didn’t hurt in them in the way to have with the shoes I got .
I’m frustrated that I’ve been unable to find something I really liked and felt comfortable in (before I left). I really don’t know how many pairs I tried on but it was a lot. Different sizes, makes, cuts and not a one of them was “that’s it” (except the Merrell Vapor Glove, i’d like to get a pair when I’m done, but they didn’t strike me as useable for the Camino … maybe they are?)
When I arrived back at the Albergue I sat and talked & listened to some ladies (aforementioned forum member … kayabout?) and a kiwi lady (never got her name, might tomorrow if I only go to Navarrete). They even played Dr (physcaitry) with me at one point
Dinner was The Good Burger which was pretty decent. As i was feeling fed up I figured I’d eat “badly”. Would have been fantastic had it all been hot. Instead chips & burger where tepid, but side order of epic chicken was piping hot. I think one bit was ready way ahead of the rest.
Anyway, G’night.
Please don't leave your shoes along the trail to add to the other detritus. There is a good chance that another forum member walking the route behind you, or even the ditch pigs who do this annually, will have to pick them up to dispose of them. There is more than enough to pick up without another pair of shoes.
Yes, leave them in the donation box at the albergue! It's far more likely someone will see them there and be able to use them. If left on the side of the trail they become nothing but trash.
As for your walk, hang in there!! It sounds like it's been tough going. Maybe consider booking a bed for tomorrow so you don't feel the pressure of arriving early. And don't be afraid to stop for a day, or walk a few very short days, until you get your feet straightened out. May tomorrow be a better one. I wish you all the best!
Sorry you have had shoe problems. Wishing you better tomorrow
Buen Camino. Thanks for sharing. Like I'm there again.
Enjoying your posts!
Great posts. I'm enjoying following along with you. Buen Camino!
That brought back my memories of Cuatro Cantones , sitting around the pool chatting all afternoon in the hot sun, hoping for cloud the next day. And watching a girl catch a chicken which we hoped wasnt dinner.Day 15 - can’t think of a subtitle yet
Santo Domingo to Belorado
People started getting ready at 4:50 today, and there was a steady stream until 6am of people coming in & out … which with my bed right beside the door got a little tiring/annoying.
Started the walk around 7am with Erica, Benny & Karen having to take a brief detour out of Santo Domingo. Normal street out is closed for some reason.
It was darn cold today, and wet on and off. You could see the rain off in the distance moving past hills/mountains. Thankfully it was never a long shower, nothing like the soaking from a few days ago.
The rain poncho keeps getting condensation inside it while I walk. Ended up putting my fleece on to a stay warmer, and b to do get my shirt so damp feeling.
Ended up leaving Erica & co after a little while as I realised I needed some alone time. Regretfully I didn’t say goodbye, I just drift further away as my pace picked up.
A while later I ended up walking with Victoria and getting some coffee before setting off in the rain.
We ended up going wrong at one point, we were positive we had followed the route and so did Yolanda a Cuban American who was walking a ways behind us. Her phone showed we were still on the route, and mine showed we where off course at the top of a field & private road.
We ended up taking the private road down into either Villamayor del Rio or Viloria de Rioja (don’t remember which now, GPS on a pic would).
The three of us ended up having a mixed conversation about politics, Yolandas studies, future job, tv & movies. Pleasant way to finish the walk to Belorado.
Once in town Victoria disappeared off to a parochial albergue, Yolanda and I went to the Cuatro Cantones which had been recommended.
I admit to being a little fearful that there might now be any beds. I had tried to reserve this morning but it was no longer available, and there was a sizeable queue when we got there.
Queue was a little slow to be processed, but thankfully we all got beds
For the first time this whole trip I actually had a lunch, rather I ate the pilgrims menu at lunchtime along with Nachos with bacon & queso. All of it was delicious!
Walk was a bit slower today, part weather and part Victoria & Yolanda didn’t go at the same pace as Charles did.
Didn’t do much after lunch, hung in the room for a while. Had a conversation in German, and then had a wander around town, popped into the church during mass, found out too late about the castle ruins I could have visited but I’m kinda glad I didn’t as it was still cold.
Spent a bit of time in the garden watching the chickens, peacocks , rabbits and pigeons eating. Made me think of all of the different nationalities that are walking the Camino, eating and sleeping together. A little symbolic.
Day ends with lots of thudding in the room above us, again I’m sleeping beside the room door and the bathroom on the other side of the wall10pm and people are already snoring oh and occasional peacock calls …
Tomorrow the weather begins to improve, v cold on the morning but should be sunny and 21°c by the afternoon.
I’m just not sure how far I’ll go. Could be Agés, Villafranca-Montes, San Juan de Ortega, or Atapuerca.
A rarity, I have opted to have the buffer breakfast here for 5€ at 6:30am. Hope I’m awake enough!
Hope you had a satisfying birthday....loveDay 8 - It’s my birthday & I’ll cry if I want to
What a truly odd day. Today I turned 43, but it’s the least birthday like day I’ve ever had, and that’s counting last year when I turned 42.
*laugh* we’re what 13 hours into the day and my son still hasn’t wished me happy birthday … my daughter managed it at 7am. … oh oh son just phoned for the second time today and remembered this time
Anyway, the day started early, way earlier than I would have liked … 3:40am. A couple of people getting up and prepping to leave. Thankfully most of the rest didn’t till 5:30ish.
I started getting up around 6am, and was out the door at 6:40 using some new toe socks I had bought the night before (Injinji Performance 2.0 Runner) which amazingly actually fit my toes … unlike some Knitido ones I had ordered from Amazon (and promptly returned).
I was surprised that the walk went as well as it did considering the blister. I was in Puente la Reine in 5h26 (6h20 real time). A few stops here and there to take photos, get my pass stamped in a church and offer a prayer.
When carrying the water separately from the backpack I can really tell that it’s lighter. Took much much longer before it became irritating. I’ll take that! And I know I can remove another 1.2kg (~2.6lb)
Met a lovely American family towards the end; Benny, Erika, and Karen who all apparently live in Florida. They too where find it hard going the last couple of KM. Especially as there was this junk where we went down hill and then had to go back up hill.
They where shocked when i said I had left at 6:40 from Pampalona when they had left at 5:30 from the next town on (about 5km away) … but given they stopped for food and I didn’t it kind of balances out.
Shocked at how cheap the Alberque was today. 5€! Admittedly I’m in a cramped room with 6 bunk beds (all men), so I imagine it will be hell tomorrow morning.
Not a single person here knows it’s my birthday, the room I’m in (tiny, 12 bunk beds).
Random tidbit, the last of the 100 beds were filled at 15:35. I happened to be in hallway to hear that. Was off into town to explore.
17:40 the first rain I’ve seen so far. After I sent the rainmac away (have the poncho, seems overkill to go for food)
Had panic I lost my expensive headphones. Thankfully in bag.
Only person in this bar/restaurant having the pilgrims menu. Which is surprising. I know the Albergue I’m in doesn’t do food, just has a kitchen. So it leaves me wondering where everyone else is. (I arrived at 6:30, food started at 7pm)
Had a lot of wine to myself. 2 glasses of house white (1€ each) and then about 350-400ml of red with the menu.
Tomorrow, in theory, is a walk to Estella BUT It’s supposed to rain tomorrow morning. So tomorrow i get to use my poncho but my shoes aren’t waterproof (by choice). Should be interesting. Esp as a stretch is supposed to be slippery when wet (yes yes, my second song lyric/title of this post)
Slightly surprised to find that room already has the door closed. A couple of people are already asleep. None of the 6 Asians who relaxed earlier are here.
Desperately want to put phone on charge, but too paranoid to do so. Only putting battery pack on charge. Phone, iPad and wallet continue to be in my sleeping bag liner with me.
A little sad, but that’s my own fault. my life could have been so different had I the where with all, drive and sense to run with it a few years ago. *smile* rather than a wannabe, I coulda been a contender. (Song & Film references)
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