To Astorga 2018

We had about a one hour taxi ride to Astorga this morning. We are staying at the Astor Plaza Hotel, which is quite nice and has some character.

I’m staying in yet another day, but I’m feeling much better so I plan on walking tomorrow. While I wait for photos from the girls I’ll tell you what happened to me today at dinner.

I had dinner at the restaurant downstairs tonight. I also had an experience I’ve never had before.

I ordered a hamburger, which by the way tasted great.  A big old slab of recognizable beef took up half my plate, large french fries and grilled cheese on the other side. A burger fit for a queen!

However, about half way through it I felt something sharp and found a piece of glass or plastic about 1/2 inch by quarter inch in my burger. 

I should’ve taken a photo but didn’t think about it until later.

I showed the shard to the waitress, who was horrified and she quickly identified it as a piece of plastic from the container that the meat came in. They asked me if I wanted something else to eat and by that time I had already eaten half the burger. So I said no and just proceeded carefully. 

I may or may not have swallowed another tiny piece of plastic, it could’ve been my imagination. 

When it came time to pay they would not except payment which was very nice — so  all turned out well in the end at least for now. 

Hopefully if It was just a tiny piece of sharp plastic my gastric juices will make quick work of it. I chomped down an extra piece of bread in the hopes it would contain the plastic

To Burgos 2018

Well I’m still sick as hell, but the girls are having a great time. We had a long bus ride into Burgos today. Are usually get an express bus but didn’t want to leave at five in the morning, and that was a big mistake. The ride took much longer than expected. But we’re here now and I’m in bed again and everybody is gone their separate ways.

Following are some of the fantastic photos that Theresa, Diana, and Jennifer have taken. I don’t think I have any from Karin and Jo but if I do let me know and I’ll mention you.

To Viana 2018

The morning begin with light rain, really nice walking weather. I did not walk to Viana because I was still quite weak and congested.  Linda and I took a bus to Viana, and José let us into the apartment early. Then he was kind enough to take Diana to the physiotherapist, where she had her foot massage and wrapped and was told not to walk for two or three days. Perfect!

José is such a pleasant person and I just love his face. He is one of those people who just makes you smile.

These are the steps at Casa de la Abuela. Such fond memories of this place.

Since I didn’t take any pictures on the trail, here are a few taken by the girls as they walked. I think these may be from Jenny and Therese. If I get more from them I will post them later today.

As always this time of year, the wildflowers which is spectacular. That’s the good news. The bad news is Jenny allergies are really acting up, but I think maybe it might be worth it.   Everyone said it was a beautiful walk! They all went out to dinner and had a great time. I stayed home and nursed my cold.

Boo Hoo!
Annie

To Los Arcos - 2018

Today, Linda and I took the bus to Los Arcos. My cold was still in full swing and I feel weak-kneed and Linda’s ankle was still quite swollen.

The other Peregrinas walked and by the looks of the photos they took it was spectacular!  I’m really sad I missed it. I’ve been in bed all day and will decide tomorrow if I’m well enough to make the trek to Viana. 

Tonight I am having dinner at Casa de la Abuela; salad, lentil soup, bread and wine. It sounds healing.

Here are some photos taken today:

Spectacular walking!

Wildflowers and Los Arcos in the distance

Well at Villamayor

Spring wildflowers

Jo checking in 

To Estella 2018 - RAIN!

I woke up very ill with a flu or head cold this morning and decided to bus to Estella. It rained cats and dogs so I feel I made a good decision. No need to get pneumonia!

Linda had a turned ankle, Therese a blister, Jennie’s knee was bothering her, as was Diana’s leg, so all of them bussed partial stages as well. Gosh, we’re like the walking wounded!

The only one besides Karen who seems unscathed is Jo!

And here is why we need an ALTUS poncho! 
You never know what weather the Camino will bring!

To Puente la Reina

It was a glorious walk today! We had every kind of weather imaginable beginning with fog and rain and ending beautiful sunshine.

I woke up with a sore throat yesterday so I’m fighting a cold and taking my Spanish Fluimucil. So far so good no I’ve lost my voice a bit this afternoon. I think instead of going to the buffet tonight I’m going to get hot shower and go to bed.

Here are some photos from our walk today.

Almost to Zariquiegui

Can't get enough of Alto Perdon

Spain is so beautiful in the Spring! 

Lunch awaits at Uterga!

A weary crew at Jakue!

To Pamplona 2018

This year I discovered KT tape. Looking on YouTube and finding instructions, I kept my legs before leaving Zubiri this morning. It worked great! I had absolutely no problems with my shins and no problems walking all the way in to Pamplona today.

Therese still has quite a blister on her heel so Diana helped her tape it up.

Las Peregrinas. This really is a Kodak moment! What a wonderful group of women!




Right after the village of Akerreta (Eskirotz) is this wonderful Abby that they recently discovered. A group is doing an archaeological dig here and it’s quite fascinating because they’re finding both pagan and Christian symbolism down it about the 1300 year level.

To me, it’s really worth stopping and looking at it, and if you can donate one or two euros it would be very helpful. You could also get a nice stamp here for your credential
 


As I approach this Appaloosa ranch, I thought I was seen as zebra! But these are a particular strain of Appaloosa pony here in Spain.





There is a nice bar in Zurrain if you fancy a coffee or a beer. Their soup was quite good also!

Once I cross the drawbridge I was really happy to be in Pamplona again. We went out one of my favorite bars near the cathedral for dinner and this was the wonderful desserts they serve me.

Soon upon arrival I met up with our newest member, Jo Gray. This morning we went to travel agency to get her ticket from Santiago to Madrid which she was very happy to finally have settled. I think she will fit in with this fun group of women quite nicely!

Today my plan is to rest for most of the day, although I will be visiting the Museu Navarre later this afternoon. Tomorrow we climb El Perdon, then on to Puente la Reina. The weather is looking wonderful and we feel blessed!