Day 5 Viana

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/etapa-de-los-arcos-a-logrono
Did the section from Los Arcos today to Viana, a little lighter on the body, 20 something km´s. Will have a short walk to Logrono tomorrow (4km). Feet are much better today, no extra blisters, and the draining and antiseptic yesterday helped heaps. I felt phony catching a taxi into Los Arcos, but in hindsight, was the smart move, as I would have had difficulty getting help today or tomorrow. Infection is the big worry. I did the same drain, and inject Betadine to the blisters several times this morning. Seems to work, with regular breaks OK. Legs and knees are feeling stronger.
Had a shower, shave and called home and it feels good. A quiet arvo coming up.
Today travelled through very beautiful and undulating farmland.
Staying in the Albergu at Viana, in bunks 3 high. I have a bottom bunk, so that is OK.
Unable to upload pictures at this time, even the normal computer stuff is difficult, as all the menus are in Spanish.
Cheers, and I hear the Roos won again (thanks Dave).

Day 4 Los Arcos A day of ups and downs.

Had a very challenging and revealing day. Left Puerta La Reina about 0630, feeling really strong. Could see mountains and big rocky outcrops on the horizon, by days end we passed those. Hit a big hill first up, and it knocked the wind out my sails. Had something of a panic moment, out of nowhere. Got past that and covered ground big time, although the surface was very uneven. Made Estella just about 1230, and had a knap under the trees near the river for an hour. Went past the Albergue and said seeya to Jo. She is now flying solo. Steve and I pushed on for Villamayor de Monjardin. Caught up again with Bob who accompanied on this leg another 8km. I had something of an encounter with a departed soul along the way, whilst thinking of him. Vey strange experience. Got to Villamayor and found both Alberques near choccas. Ended up taking a taxi to Los Arcos, as my feet were in big trouble, and weekend looming, means no help. Found Angel number 2, Carlos. Feet tended, medical supplies obtained. Went to the 8 o´clock Pilgrim´s mass. Had dinner and a bottle of Vino Tinto with Steve. Will be on the road tomorrow. Feeling positive, and recognize today I over did it. Cheers all.

Day 3 Puenta La Reina (bridge of the queen)

Hi all yee merry readers. I have enjoyed the comments.
Had a night with vivid dreams ( the first since being here), the magic begins. Arrived Puenta La Reina at about 1330 after leaving Cizur Menor at just after 0700. The sun caem up as we ascended Alto de Perdon http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/etapa-de-pamplona-a-puente-la-reina . From the top of that (a massive climb) an absolutely gorgeous panoramic vista. Got some photos in front of the silhouetted pilgrims. Lots of phots but unable to upload yet. All the hilltops have wind generators. Looking East, in the blueness of the haze, you can see the hills leading to the Pyrenees, and we came from there. Looking west a valley then more hills but we thread between most. Weird shit meter has hit fullscale a few times, this place is has magic.
The buildings are so old, the history so rich, and we keep bumping in to other pilgrims we have seen previous along the way. It is a fraternity of like minded people.
Had breakfast about Muruzabal, and a Boccadillo Tortilla Patata again, sorry to be boring but it tastes allright. The guide books do not describe the micro climbs and falls (and they ain´t micro to me), but cope one does. It amazing what can be climbed and the distance that can be covered in a day. One horizon to the next.
Had part of my pack transported forward today, so the load was lighter, and my legs and feet thank me. Have just done the 3rd download of useless stuff from the pack. Weight must be carried, and if you don´t use it, then don´t carry it.
Got lost coming out of Puenta La Reina and had to back track, grrrr. Some turf we shall get three looks at. Probably splitting tracks with my travelling companions shortly. Steve and I travel faster than Jo. We will probably advance further tomorrow than she will. Then Steve will have a rest day soon. I might have a rest day in Burgos next week, feet willing. They have been wonderful to walk with, no-one offended if you race off for some solo time.
The Albergue here is great, clean open and friendly. When we arrived the first thing the hospitalero did was sit us down and serve up some chilled water. These are the simple pleasures. Cold water, a refreshing shower, phone call home and chill out.
Enough raving from the Peregrino today.
Hasta luego y Ultreia
The horizon calls.

Day 2 Cizur Menor

Arrived Cizur Menor (sp?) this afternoon. Shorter walk than yesterday, around 21kms, and easier terrain. Passed through Pamplona, and sent another package (and kg´s :heavy sandals, dictionary, radio, thongs) to Santiago de Compostela by post (Correos). Bought new lighweight sandals, like Crocs. Morning started with a gorgeous walk for an hour along the river. Absolutely awesome. Then a bit of hill climbing. Breakfast at a wonderful little town. Boccadillo Tortilla Patata with Cafe con Leche and a Coke Light (Diet Coke). Stopped in Pamplona for some foot repairs. More later on that..
Weather has been brilliant, fresh in the morning and warm and clear in the afternoon.
Got to Cizur Menor about 2:30.
Met my first Angel. The hospìtalero, Maribell (sp. again), tended my blisters and bandaged my feet. She does this for many. Tomorrow she is getting some of our gear transported to Puerta De Reina. Todays travel was with Jo, and Steve from Reading in the UK. Had dinner with them and an Aussie from Naracoorte, Tony. Commonality of motive is good.
Missing everyone, but it is obvious how lucky I am to have the support to do this life journey. Thanks and love to you Cristina.
Spirits still high, but the body is mighty sore.

Day 1

Arrived Roncesvalles last night at 1900hrs. Showered. Pilgrim mass at 2000hrs, then a fine communal meal with other peregrinos after. Boy was I tired. This is an emotional roller coaster. Today much improved. I travelled with a Tasmanian lady, Jo, who is travelling solo also. We covered 27.7km to Larrasoana today. On time and schedule. Pretty tired though. The pack needs some adjustment. But tomorrow is a shorter day to Cizur Menor, I hope., 21km.
Buenos Tardes all, adios.

Dos dias a ir.

The time of leaving approaches. More loose ends tied up, but when will it stop. Pack must be kept light. Double checked all the debit cards will work, and have some cash Euros as standby.

Wednesday, a family blessing from Father Pat before my journey. Quite a moving moment. Thankyou.

























Thursday, in pouring rain Callum and I visited the Anstey Hill Silver mine from the top, and took the Torture Hill path back to the car. We both got a big kick out of it.


Thursday night, farewell drinks with my old basketball buddies. Thanks fellas.

Mum is coming down to the city to see me off. Tomorrow night, will be a family farewell dinner at my favourite Pizza place.

5 Days to go...

Went for a light walk up Anstey Hill with Riley this afternoon. We had a wonderful little chat, and he is going to miss his dad. We went to the old Silver Mine.