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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: mariana brits <marianabrits8@gmail.com>
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2014
Subject:
To: josielufrano@gmail.com

Sept. 14, 2014 Sunday from Sto. Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado

Most of the sunflower fields were already kind of dead but this one is still in bloom.

Sept. 13 Saturday in Sto. Domingo de la Calzada

This is the henhouse & rooster that the Albergue provides the Cathedral daily. The hen & rooster are caged inside the Cathedral overlooking the main altar.

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.