Topography of the terrain I have walked

Sept. 4 Thursday from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles, Spain
Traversing this Pyrenees was an exhilarating experiences as it so beautiful up the top & I was above the clouds over the valley. It took me 13 1/2 hours to traverse it. I was the last one to arrive at the Municipal Albergue which was full, the Monastery was full so I was placed in the trailers 4 bunks each, 6 women & 1 man. No hot water because everybody had already showered.

Perergrinos on the way to Sto. Domingo de la Calzada Sept. 13 Saturday

Rudy for Switzerland pulls his pack on a dolly carrier, how smart is that? He reminded me of Ursula from Germany who pulls a luggage cart. I believe they hike a lot so they know a few tricks.

Sept.13 Saturday Najera to Sto. Domingo de la Calzada

This marker gives the km to Santiago, I timed myself from this marker to the next & I did it in 25 minutes meaning that I am walking 1 mile in 1/2 hrs. Just like when I was training. The terrain is worst than just pavement.

Sept.12 Friday Logrono to Najera. 29 km 18 miles

I had a miracle last night in the Albergue, there were 20 peregrinos in the room, young, old, cyclist, walkers & nobody SNORED. I couldn't believe it as normally someone was already snoring before I fall asleep.i slept very well. Started early & there was a beautiful sunrise over the vineyards. There was art work in the underpass so I had to turn on my headlamp to take this picture. It took me 4 hours to Navarette & Najera would be another 10 miles. I wanted to see the Monastery de Maria la Real so I took a 45 min. bus ride. I checked into the Municipal Albergue at 13:30. The fast walkers were there already. Unbelievable, of course they all passed me. So when they saw me there they couldn't believe I got here before them. I told them the truth as I did want to miss the sights because I am always late. Many of the people send their packs ahead to the next destination. I try to stay true to the pilgrim of tradition but I just don't want to miss the beautiful crèches. I was very relax, cleaned up, wash clothes & out to see the Monastery. It was beautiful specially the altar. The girl gave us a tour of the choir section. Then I finally had a chance to hear a mass. My blisters are getting better, hope I don 't have more.
BUEN CAMINO.

Logrono Sept. 11,2014 Thursday

After a nice bath, I feel like a new person. Then of course the obligatory laundry, what does not dry hangs over my backpack & the Sun dries it while I walk.

We'd. Sept.10 From Estella to Torres del Rio

I was walking in the dark with Pam & we totally missed the detour to the Fountain of Wine & Water given free to all peregrinos. My Canadian friends fill their water bottle & I caught up with them at a roadside store. Tradition was to drink the wine in my shell.

Thurs. Sept. 11,2014 From Torres del Rio to Logrono

The best night sleep I had in a week, I have the penthouse section of Albergue Mariela in Torres del Rio, actually it was the 4th floor, no elevator. No snoring!!! Most of the peregrinos stayed in Los Arcos which was also my destination but I got there at 14:00 & decided to continue on to Torres del Rio another 7-8 km. it was so hot, no shade to rest so I was thankful I always carry a reserve water bottle. I arrived in Sansol where I found my new friends. The E31 includes lodging, dinner, laundry & breakfast, not bad. But my Canadian friends who I have asked to save a bed for me was in T. del Rio. It was only 1 km more so after I had a nice cold water, I was ready to go to del Rio.got there at 17:00, bath, wash clothes & dinner. That's mostly my day.