Today, Day 6, is a day of rest. After 5 days of walking we decided it was time to rest.
Pamplona to Estella
At the end of each day – when my feet are on fire with pain – I wonder, what the hell was I thinking that I could do this? I fall into bed too exhausted to move and think, that’s it. I’m done. Let’s catch a bus to the beach. But then there’s a new dawn, new trails, people to meet and wonders to see so we rise and walk again. Left, right, left, right, one foot after another. Onward to Pamplona.
The Great Shoe Debate
Before we left home me, myself and I had the great shoe debate of 2015. Knowing my feet as well as I do I told myself to pack a pair of sneakers but my pack was full and I was afraid of the extra weight. On Day 2 I knew I’d made a mistake. In the tiny little village of Puente La Reina we found a tiny little shoe store. Not my first choice of colors, but as I said, vanity has no place on the Camino.
Patchwork Quilts
We walked away from Pamplona and for two days we walked through patchwork quilts of green and yellow, such vibrant colors there are no adjectives to clarify the depth of color. Pictures cannot begin to capture it. The greenest greens you can imagine and the yellow blossoms (mustard seed) are everywhere.
Into the Wind
On Day 4 we walked into the wind, the sky was misty gray and the temps had cooled considerably, perfect hiking weather. If it stayed this way for the next 30 days I’d be a happy hiker. A girl can dream.
The World Before Us
Day 5 found us passing through yet another sleepy picturesque Spanish village. We turned a corner and came upon a friendly man who encouraged us to follow him. We took a few steps, turned a corner and saw the world before us.
This sweet man planted his field for the world to see and each day he approaches passing pilgrims and encourages all who pass to see the world. He doesn’t speak a word of English, he doesn’t need too. If you listen you understand.
Will I Make It?
I suppose every pilgrim wonders the same thing. Will I actually make it to Santiago? For me, I know my head and heart are willing, but will my feet carry me there? I don’t know. But, here’s the thing. The day we walked over the mountain from St. Jean Pied de Port, I told myself that if we went home tomorrow it would be okay because we had conquered that damn mountain. So we take each day as it comes and we’ll just see how far we get. That’s all any of us can do.
Day 4
April 15, 2015
We walked 15.5 miles
Highest elevation: 2,625′
Day 5
April 16, 2015
We walked 14 miles
Highest elevation: 1,900′
I’ve posted more photos on the blog’s Facebook page and on Instagram.
Instagram Feed
Patti,
Your photos are phenomenal! I feel like I’m there…without the paint soaking in all the charm, vistas, history and colors of Espana! The little man who planted the world on his land was definitely a highlight and I know there are many more to come to you! I’m sending you some Healing Light from Mount Shasta—woo woo via the Internet. Take a deep breath as you read about the Light…do your feet feel better? It will go to Abi too! Sweet Travels!
Thank you for the kind words and for sending healing light from Mt. Shasta! We’re feeling it!
I was so impressed with the man who planted the world. Imagine the time and effort that took to get it so precise.
Even if you had to slow down, I hope you can keep going. A little at a time. I am so enjoying your pictures. I know I won’t do this walk, but I hope you find the strength to finish. I am with you with every step, cheering you on. Linda
I know, his “world” just touched my heart! We will keep going as long as we are able. We had built in a few rest days which we’re giving up for shorter walking distances. Thanks for loving and supporting us!
Oh my God Patti, I am crying now. Tears in my eyes about the man who showed you the world, and of course, your beautiful (and true) words.
Sarah Somewhere recently posted…The Road to Queretaro
Thank you, Sarah, I so wish that I had been able to speak with him and hear his story.
I’ve just caught up with all your posts now and I love the daily updates and snapshots of your journey. You’re doing incredibly well so far, it sounds painful and beautiful in equal measure but I’m sure it’ll get easier as the days wear on? I love the story of the man who planted the world in his field, what an absolute joy to see. I look forward to hearing more tales from the road, especially of the people you meet.
Amy recently posted…What I will and wonât miss about life in Hanoi
Thanks so much Amy. I think each day we gain a little more strength and we are learning how many miles we can actually do in 1 day. There are people from all over the world walking the Camino, so fun to meet them all, so many different languages.
Dear patti
I have been silently following you – intending to write to you at the end of your journey BUT as one with foot problems to another who is going through a lot of pain – I had to speak up. Patti YOU ARE DAMN BRAVE!!!! I am not sure if you have access to any salt during your rest period – but try to soak your feet in warm salt water every evening. Try not to walk to the extent of developing callus’s but if you have to – I hope they heal well. As I sit here studying – my mental exhaustion feels trivial to what you are enduring. YOU GO GIRL!!!! Hugs from Nanaimo – Vancouver island. You inspire me – sleep well tonight xxx
It’s so good to hear from you, Tasha. I truly hope all is well and the studies will come to an end soon. We’ve been to Nanaimo, it’s lovely country. Knock on wood we have no blisters, our hiking shoes were well worn. I think I could get salt, but so far to tub to soak the tootsies. Take care of yourself!
Hello Patti,
I only just happened upon your blog today as I was searching images of New Zealand. I found a photo on a blog by Andrew and Amy at http://www.ourbigfattraveladventure.com/ and read a bit. Then I came to your blog and started looking around. I love all the sweets blogs! The adventure you are on now is very inspiring.
My eldest daughter is in New Zealand and she swam under glacier waterfalls! That’s my girl. She has also hiked 700 miles of the AT. One day, I expect to follow in her through some of her adventures. but for now, I read about others.
Forge your way and all will be well with the world.
Lauren
I’m so glad you found us, Lauren! I’ve been online friends with Amy for nearly 3 years, I love them. Your daughter sounds great the adventure girl! Nice to meet you!
You’ll make it and a year from now you’ll want to be doing it all over again.
Leigh recently posted…The Murphy Point Hike in the Islands in the Sky Area, Canyonlands NP
Oh my! I don’t think so! 😉
Second pair of shoes sounds like a good idea. Do consider compression stockings. I love those views and yellow fields. BTW, rapeseed is also called mustard. Hope that sounds better. But the best of these is the field map of the world. What a special farmer.
Gaelyn recently posted…Foto Friday Fun 107
You know, we suspected it was mustard, but a man we met who lives in London said definitively it was rapeseed because the government pays the farmers to plant/harvest it. And yes, the field map of the world just touched my heart, what a message of peace.
You’re doing so well guys – keep it up! I’m loving reading your updates in real time. I’m planning to walk in September this year so it’s great to get a sense of the thought process of the journey. Buen suerte!!
Flora the Explorer recently posted…An Unusual Introduction to South Africa
Thanks so much for following, Flora, let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Just email me. 😉
I’m so impressed that you still have the brain power to write. When I’m that physically exhausted, the words never make it out of my head into coherent sentences. When I was 16, I camped in Europe with my family. It was during the summer and after the parched, hot plains of Castille, it was such a relief to get to the emerald green and cooler temperature of north-western Spain.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…A Visit to Málaga on the Costa del Sol, Spain (Lemonade Edition)
Well, don’t be too impressed, I fell asleep in the middle of trying to write a post. Had to actually write it early this morning. We took a day off today, from walking, so my brain kicked in and I’ve been trying to catch up. I’m hoping we get through the dry flat lands before it gets too hot.
Lovely pictures, the fields of yellow rapeseed are beautiful, it reminds me of the Brazilian flag. A day of rest should re invigorate you both. I am sending you lots of positive thoughts and energy.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Tobago – Hello Old Friend!
Thank you so much, Gilda, for the support. It really helps us to know we’ve got so many friends cheering us on!
Sounds great to adapt the Way with your way of doing it –
Great idea to get a pair of runners – they’re sooo comfortable!
Enjoy your day of rest… 🙂
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted…A Travelling Tale… or, How I Finally Got to Whistler
It was a gamble to buy the sneakers because nothing I could do if they didn’t work out. But, they are comfortable, fit well and I didn’t even have to break them in. I think they will prove to be a helpful respite for my feet!
“So we take each day as it comes and we’ll just see how far we get. That’s all any of us can do.” Yes. Each day is a new Buen Camino…
It’s so true, Cindy. Thanks so much for reading!