What you learn really quickly – I’m talking almost instantly – is that vanity has no place on the Camino de Santiago. Avoiding mirrors is a good idea; especially when you’re someone who gets her hair cut and colored every 4 weeks without fail.
Listen to Your Body
We arrived in Spain with a mapped out game plan and time frame, knowing full well that it would most likely change and we’re already tweaking things a bit. Along with throwing vanity out the window, you learn really quickly to listen to your body. Scheduling two really long days back-to-back, in hindsight, was probably definitely not a good idea, but they’re behind us now, along with a few F bombs I dropped along the way.
Roncevaux to Larrasoana
Day 2 found us walking from Roncevaux to Larrasoana, another 16-mile walk. About 10 miles in I developed a cramp in the arch of my right foot and I knew I was in trouble, but when you’re in the middle of a forest… We walked another 2 miles to Zubiri, and I was beyond done.
We flagged a taxi who drove us the last three miles to the next village, Larrasoana, and our B&B. I listened to my body feet. The other thing you learn in the first couple of days is that it is your journey – own it. You do what you need to do at the moment.
Day 2
Roncevaux to Larrasoana
April 13, 2015
Today we walked 12.5 miles
Highest elevation: 3,120′
Larrasoana to Pamplona
Day 3 finds my backpack and I at odds. She got wind of the fact that on more than one occasion I’ve given serious thought to leaving her on the trail. You know, sit down to take a break and just leave her, walk away. She’s not happy with me and I’m hoping sooner than later we will become one with each other.
In the meantime, while in Pamplona, we purged the contents of our packs and shipped a box off to France where it will be held for us. Vanity. Screw it. I do not care if I wear the same clothes every day.
I Wish it Would Rain
We chose to walk in April/May, thinking the season would just be gearing up, trails would not be overrun with pilgrims and the weather would be cool. Ha! For the past two days the temps have reached 80 degrees! Are you kidding me?! Boy do I wish it would rain so I could whine about the rain.
I am a girl that does not like to be hot; a girl who has endured four surgical procedures on her left foot. And, I am a girl who is a turtle on the trail. Slow and steady. I am slow, Abi is steady. He takes the lead and I follow. He keeps me in his line of vision (I think he has eyes in the back of his head) and he waits for me to catch up.
An Ongoing Debate
Onward we walk. Left, right, left, right, one foot after another. From Roncevaux to Larrasoana to Pamplona. We are finding our rhythm in our first days walking the Camino de Santiago. I have an ongoing debate in my head. Uphill? Downhill? Which is the lessor of two evils?
Day 3
April 14, 2015
Today we walked 9 miles
Highest elevation: 1,870
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Oh Patti! So beautifully written. On one hand, I feel your pain, and yet I know I can’t really know what you are going through. Keep trudging girl! (and for the record, I think you look great!). Abi, sweet man, you rock! You both do xxx
Sarah Somewhere recently posted…The Road to Queretaro
Thank you, Sarah, knowing that friends are cheering us on makes us feel so supported!
“I wish it would rain so I could whine about the rain” – I’m pretty sure this is going to be my exact reaction throughout my Camino attempt (late August/September – hello heatwave…!)
Flora the Explorer recently posted…Women Only: Inside a Moroccan Hammam
August, yes, I think you’ll definitely hit some heat. The past couple of days it’s cooled off and I’ve been a happy hiker. We did get some rain while walking yesterday and I expect we’ll get more. Better than the heat, I think. Don’t forget the sunscreen! 😉
Love this Patti! Challenges bring most satisfaction, and this sounds like a real challenge. We too have sacrificed vanity, i pair of cycle clothes and a change of outfits. We don’t care!
Rob recently posted…Tandem honeymoon goes wrong – The plan and frustration
One pair of pants and two shirts for each of us. If we split our pants we’re out of luck! Can’t wait to follow your bicycle adventure honeymoon.
Maybe it is time to call a day off???
Yep. We stayed two nights in Estella to catch our breath.
I look forward to come home from work and read about your hard work, well done, you are tougher than you think, walking with a bad foot is no picnic. Do listen to your body and take a rest( or a taxi ) if you need. I am loving your pictures.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Tobago – Hello Old Friend!
Thanks so much, Gilda! It really does help to know people are cheering us on.
Take care of your feet! Some very difficult road surfaces ahead of you yet. And what will amaze you most is that when you reach Santiago, despite the heat, aches, pains, no make up, bad food, snorers and daily exhaustion…you’ll want to do it again… Buen Camino!
Ha! It’s hard to convince me of that idea right now, Cindy! 😉 And yes, the road and trail surfaces can be brutal, so much loose gravel and rocks. I find myself watching every step I make!
I was wondering if startng off with 2 killer days, right off the bat, was a good idea. Sounds like you’re figuring it out. 🙂
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Zentangle Diva’s Challenge #212 – Magical Thinking Edition (and Some More Tangle Inspirations from Turkey and Israel)
Not a good idea, but when planning we had no idea there would be so much snow on the mountain or that it would take us 10 hours to make that climb up and over the summit, that was a pretty big surprise!
Keep on truckin’ on! I love your photos!
Corinne recently posted…Jeju-do, South Korea’s Gem
Thank you Corinne, please keep cheering us on, it really helps!
Thank you for writing this blog. It’s great to follow you and do the trip vicariously.
Sandy
I’m so glad you’re walking right along with us, Sandy! And thanks for cheering us on!
Listen to your body, the best idea. A rhythm will come, if the backpack doesn’t beat you first. Who needs beauty products when your smile is beautiful enough. Gorgeous country side.
Gaelyn recently posted…Assemblage sculpture by Noah Purifoy
Ah, thanks Gaelyn, you’re so sweet!
Loving your stories! Know bits of my heart are with you both out there on that amazing trail!
Ah, Miss Neva, I carry your spirit with me, I really do! Yesterday, while in Pamplona, I turned the corner and saw a woman sitting on a bench. You immediately came to mind. She didn’t have your gorgeous hair, but there was something about her that made me think of you. See, you’re with me!
Hair cut your hair looks great just as nice as your better half.Is Abi thinking about getting his beard touched up too? Natural is the way to go . We changed when we saw how the rest of the world accepted us
Thanks so much for the nice thoughts. I’m encouraging Abi to shave once in a while or he’s going to have a 2-tone face from the sun.
Patti and Abi! I love the stories and photos so much! And I sure do appreciate the discussions you’ve had with your backpack…! F-bombs are common with mine too…and it only holds my O2 which is becoming a daily routine, and not on a trail… Your photos are beautiful! I hope you do a slide show or video of your adventures!
Thank you so much, Kathleen, it means a great deal to us to know you are walking along with us. And we hope you are feeling yourself again. 🙂