Tuesday 14 May 2013

Zubiri to Pamplona

Before I leave Zubiri, I am standing in the shower praying.  When I get to Pamplona, I want to find a room with a private bath and a hairdryer.  Also for a wifi connection that works.  I need to feel some sort of normality.  I think because I have been so exhausted that If I can just do my hair and my makeup I will feel like me again.  I find a place for breakfast and I enjoy yet another sandwich and tea.  It´s not much but at least I have something.  My water bottle is filled and I leave Zubiri behind.  It´s a beautiful sunny day and it doesn´t take me long before I have to stop and remove my jacket.  I take a deep breath and enjoy the warmth on my skin.  My back pack seems heavier to me today and my whole body seems out of whack.  I trip over rocks and I just feel clumsy.  I must be getting hungry.  I find a great little outdoor cafe where they are serving warm frittatas and tea.  I sit in the sunshine, thankful that I can take my back pack off for a little while.  It isn´t long and I have a lady from Abbotsford sitting next to me and a gentleman named Sean who is 81 and from England.  This is his third time doing the Camino and let me tell you he was a very interesting person to talk to.  He doesn´t look a day over 65.  I finish my lunch and I´m off again.  Everything smells like lilacs and orange blossoms except when you pass a farm.  I walked a long way along a river, so I got some cool breezes which I was thankful for,especially on the hills.  I finally reach Pamplona and I walk down the streets where they do the running of the bulls.  It´s very exciting to be here.  I think I find it especially cool because I never thought I would be here.  I´m very grateful.  It´s after three and I find a hotel with everything that I have prayed for.  I´m going to stay and take a day off tomorrow.  If you saw the size of the blisters on my feet today you would understand why I need to take a day off.  It´s very lonely being here by myself but it´s so nice to pass the same people day after day and they remember you.  I manage to take my sore body and jump in the shower and I feel somewhat better and now it´s time for a glass of wine.  I don´t eat which is stupid and about ten oclock I finally order in some room service and a bottle of wine.  I can hardly pick up the fork to eat I am that tired.  I don´t even finish one glass of wine.  Now that´s gotta tell you how tired I really am.  LOL  I did sleep off and on for most of the night.  I think I slept more than any other night I´ve been walking.  One phone call from you and I´m feeling much perkier than I have.  Feeling less home sick now. 

3 comments:

  1. Linda, I didn't realize you were writing about your journey. I love it.

    Very inspirational.

    I hope you are photographing your trip from the cafe tables to the amazing vistas.

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  2. Wow! That is one big adventure! Fantastic!

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  3. Hi Linda:

    I came over after reading about you on Lori E's blog. I quickly read your past posts so now I'm caught up. I'll be eagerly following your journey.

    I have a friend who hiked The Appalachian Trail last year. You are going thru many of the things he did at the beginning. Keep going girl.

    I'd be interested in hearing a little more about you - like, where you're from, if you're an experienced hiker, how long you were considering this journey.

    Keep hiking the trail and keep your eyes on the horizon!

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