We left our room at 7 am and stopped for Cafe Americano for Stoney and a Latte Caramello
It was raining so our umbrellas came in handy once again. Walked to the post office hoping it would open at 8 but it did not open til 8:30. There was an ATM machine and bank next door so Stoney went for some money. I sat on a bench holding my umbrella over my pack andholdinfhis umbrella down over his pack with foot. The machine said his pin was not valid. A bank employee came out to assist but to no avail. She said to try another bank. However it had worked in St. Jean Pied de Port. By then the PO was open and we put clothes, the Kindle and other assorted sundries we had not used in 4 days in a box to ship home (approx. 12 lbs.) The clerk asked whether we would like air mail for $70 (arrival in 15 days) or ship for $30 (arrival in 30 days). We chose ship.
and we shared a pastry.
We walked to another bank machine and were successful. As we were walking to that bank, a woman stopped us and pointed in the opposite direction and said Camino. We have found the Spanish people to be very kind and helpful. We stopped in a small grocery store for a banana and to use the bathroom. We walked 5 miles before starting the walk for today.
It was about 9:15 when we left Pamplona. The route was well marked with silver markers in the side walk or yellow arrows on the poles of street signs. In Cizur Menor we deviated for two Cokes and croissants. In about 3 miles we went from 1300 ft. to 2700 ft. up to the Alto Perdon. It drizzled a good part of the way and looked like it might pour at any minute. We were fortunate and the rain held off. Once again the descent was difficult. Lots of gravel and big rocks but it would have been terrible if wet. I am grateful for my trekking poles.
I met a woman from Australia (Lorraine) towards the end of the climb up Alto Perdon. Enjoyed our chat. She began today in Pamplona and hopes to walk to Santiago. She asked me to take her pic with the metal pilgrims and she took mine. It was very windy and we did not tarry.
We arrived here about 3 pm (after walking 14 miles of which only 9 count for the Camino).
With only one 20 min. break early in the day, my feet were shot. I have a very small blood blister on the bottom of my left little toe. In the days ahead I will be taking short breaks more often. I expect this will help me to walk stringer. Stoney can go on if he chooses. He says it is difficult for him to take a break. Yes, our opposite dispositions are in conflict. He does not like group sleeping so we are in a private room with a private bath. Pilgrims have many choices for dinner here which was a surprise. Stoney will have pasta as first course, beef stew and chocolate cake to finish. I chose mixed salad, chicken, and Apple tart for desert. Dinner will be served at 7 pm.
Dinner was very good. Stoney let me sample his pasta; it was a large serving. My salad had lettuce, tuna, olives, tomatoes, onions and corn. It was a large salad but I ate most of it. I was served two large chicken cutlets, breaded and fried - way too much for me to eat. Stoney enjoyed the beef stew. Both were served with French fries. We thought it was our tastiest pilgrim meal yet.
Dinner entertainment was provided by their goat and cat. First the goat tried to escape the pen and then did a few head butts in protest. He poked his head out of the fence and ate grass. The cat came and ate from the goat's bucket. The goat bleated many times and faked a few charges but the cat was determined and kept eating.
It is 8:50 PM and Stoney is asleep. I won't be far behind. We have been told several times there are many pilgrims on the Camino presently and out much earlier than past years. This place was filled before 3:30 PM.
The owner made a reservation for us tomorrow night at Casa del Magico for their one private room.
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