Another great pilgrim meal last night; pasta and salad to start followed by whole trout and patatas fritas (chips) Washed down with all the red wine you want. A nice yoghurt and fruit for desert , (all for 8 euros)
Had a good nights sleep (best for a long time) Up at 0600 and out the door by 0640, a chilly morning with light rain in the air. I walked alone for most of the day and am relaxing nicely after the trepidation of yesterday has worn off.
Much more gentle hills today and great walks through pine forest and lush green fields with cream coloured cows and many coloured flowers and birds. Not all is wonderful though; I have been in three countries in the last three days and I haven't had a crap yet! About 7km before Zubiri (where I am staying tonight) I met up with Eddie from South Africa again (we started together). Apparently he had a really bad night's sleep and hasn't been off the bog much since yesterday; I should be glad with my plight. Anyway, Eddie and I marched along together at a cracking pace, me happy to be walking in the Spanish air and mountains and him wondering whether he would make it to town without disappearing behind the next tree!
We both made it into Zubiri as the church bells rang for one o'clock Eddie rushed off somewhere and I met with Paul from Amsterdam who I met yesterday. After consulting my guide book we booked into the Zaldiko Hostel which is small, clean and friendly. We were forced to have a beer (cannot remember by whom) and after showering and changing we gave our washing to the owner who washes and tumble dries it for us. As I lie on my bunk typing up this blog someone calls out "Hello Ian, fancy seeing you here!" It is Gina from Norway who walked over the Pyrenees with me yesterday. It is amazing that with all this space you keep seeing the same faces. I also keep meeting a group of four young Koreans who do not stop talking and photograph everything that moves (and most things that don't.)
I have just booked a table for our Pilgrims Meal tonight in a lively bar round the corner. Fortunately my Dutch and Norwegian is coming along nicely.
Here are a few photos from today.
Tomorrow is on to Pamplona (where they do the bull runs)
Hi Ian, I am glad you are relaxing into the walk now as I know the first couple of days were going to be tough. Mike reminded me of your "I wont be drinking" comment as the 2nd picture of a half drunk pint appeared! We'll have a San Miguel to night with you.
ReplyDeleteHe managed to ride his bike home in the hurricane! today and is very pleased with it.
Lots of love Wendy and Mikey xx
Hey, you're doing well, pilgrim! Great to hear your progress and see your pics. I subscribed to the blog a few days ago, but have now rescued all the posts from my spam folder. You'll be pleased the harder days are over, and the accommodation sounds amazing (what will you do with all that cash you are saving?). You wouldn't have been walking in the UK today - 60 mph winds, with trees down and ferries cancelled. Central heating is back on. Enjoy Pamplona, and keep sending the pics. Cheers ... Dave
ReplyDeleteHey, you're doing well, pilgrim! Great to hear your progress and see your pics. I subscribed to the blog a few days ago, but have now rescued all the posts from my spam folder. You'll be pleased the harder days are over, and the accommodation sounds amazing (what will you do with all that cash you are saving?). You wouldn't have been walking in the UK today - 60 mph winds, with trees down and ferries cancelled. Central heating is back on. Enjoy Pamplona, and keep sending the pics. Cheers ... Dave
ReplyDeleteHi Ian its me (your old landlady from Casa Sara) glad to hear it wasn't you that fell down the hole! Chris says hi and that he wishes he was on the walk with you, mind you I think he would of had a couple of donkeys in tow just to carry the beers! Bye for now Lynn x
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