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Published: June 20th 2014
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Navarette annual dog/man June 15 - Longrono to Navarette
Another sleepless night - as we feared the revellers (as in the other major cities) partied in the streets - the kids seem to feed off each other and of course alcohol - the later it gets the louder they get and inevitably the loud anthem type singing starts - this stopped at 5:30 in the morning. It is obvious the local police do not even attempt to intervene. I am sure the exhausted partiers then went back to their respective accommodations to rest up for more of the same tonight. We unfortunately do dot have this luxury and have to be out of the hostel and on our way.
Today we will only walk 13 km to Navarette. Most,of the walk is alongside a busy main road we stop for our usual egg & potato pie, oj and tea for Tanya and cafe con leche for me - the cafe and ibuprofen help get me and my feet into low gear.
Our pace is slow - my goal in Navarette is to find a clinic and see if professionals can talk some sense into my
feet.
There is a beautiful 2 km stretch through a park by a lake. Families are taking full advantage of the beautiful weather, swans and beautiful trees (shade).
As we are crossing a stone walkway we notice on the other side a finish line complete with banners, a winner's ribbon and cheering spectators. We also see event organizers waving frantically at us to stay on the narrow sidewalk and off the narrow road.
We now realize why - runners are approaching at breakneck speed but something is not right - as they come into focus we see what it is. Tied around each runner's waist is a long leash - at the end of the leash a dog - they are a tandem with the dog leading. We actually cross over just before the runners do - the spectators are now screaming / encouraging the racers - I couldn't resist and I raised my arms in victory before getting out of the runners' way. I am sue the spectators were not impressed - at least I didn't break the ribbon. Another surreal moment on the Camino.
We carry
on and arrive in the beautiful historic Camino town with original period homes replete with family crests and shields. We find a nice little hostel close to the 16th century church, shower, unpack and head to the local bar for some more great tapas and of course a beer for me & water for Tanya - maybe the beer is affecting my feet - Tanya's water is not hurting hers too much?
We visit the beautiful church and then head back to our room to get some laundry done and soak my feet in hot salt water - I am willing to try anything.
After a nap we head back to our new watering hole - invite Stephan (management consultant ) form England to join us - another young couple we met from Australia join us as well - she a doctor & he a rugby playing fine art teacher. We have a great meal, more stories and laughs - another great Camino pilgrim meal.
I will find the clinic in the morning - but for now back to our room for a much needed sleep.
Piss off
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Navarette in the distance of the day - finally a beautiful cool walking day with shade and nice even surface and not being able to walk
Tip of the day - stay close to the churches / cathedrals - it's where all the pilgrim action is and also the constant chiming of the bells becomes hypnotic
Blessing of the day - to experience the 1st stages of the Camino with my gregarious, brave and strong daughter. I am so lucky... Who's next - James ? Karin? - where to ? Maybe a cruise down the Amazon ? Somewhere where walking is not required.
Funny event of the day - winning the 35th running of the Navrette man/dog race - sans dog I was disqualified
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Helen Glover
non-member comment
Many years etc.
She's home! Zachary gave her such a great smile and Xava is so happy. Have a good rest. Now I can rest a little. :) Take care, keep writing.....