Estella Today; 116kms Down, 675kms To Go; It’s Been Tough But Fun So Far.

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Today the impact of the 28°c heat was softened by a cool breeze that accompanied me all the way to Estella. It was a varied walk, combining steep hills, lovely villages, long slightly undulating paths and good company.

I walked alone most of the time which I enjoyed immensely. I’m back to a good pace and catch up with known accomplices along the Way. It’s a good mix of time to think and time to chat.

I spoke to two South African women at a pharmacy today and they were over it. Not quitting, but certainly never recommending the Camino as a good thing to do. I think that approach will change and they are still hurting from the first 2 days. They were there for blister patches, I was there for Cortisone cream.

You can buy almost anything in Spanish pharmacies; they are medical advisors ( probably a constant demand ), and suppliers of powerful ibuprofen, Vitamin I on the Camino, supercharged voltaren cream, and ‘ kill any pain you have’ paracetamol. Probably including childbirth. Normally you go to Columbia for this stuff.

It’s great.

I arrived in Estella at about 1.30, so 22kms up and down hills in 6 hours is not bad.

The albergue I’m in has a good group staying and we’ll head into the Plaza for dinner. I recommended it them and then almost decided to go another 6kms further on. That wouldn’t have been a good look. Tired feet changed my mind.

I’m glad I’m here, I have a nice, private room and had plenty of time to wash my clothes.

They were smelling a little ‘fruity’.

Rotten fruity.

I’ll shortly visit the supermarket further up the road and stock up on fruit and snacks for tomorrow. You never buy much because of the weight. I was offered the large or small vasoline tube, for my feet, in the pharmacy. It’s a no-brainer;small please.

Well I can’t add much more today.

No lives saved or lost , so I plan for tomorrow.

Tonight will be quiet in bed, no snoring.

I can get up and make as much noise as I like, within reason.

And do not have to use a phone torch, directed away from others , as I prepare in the dark in the morning.

HEAVEN.

DId I mention the white fluffy towel? It’s all mine, keep your hands off it.

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Photos

Cirauqui, Navarre
One of the most photographed villages on the Camino. Very quaint

The GPS
Haven’t used the guide yet, but I suppose I should have some vague idea where to walk.

Farmland At Cirauqui
Not a bad view from my ‘ impromptu ‘ toilet break. A nice find.

The Old Roman Road
They used to paint the centre line with rocks; lasts a thousand years. Horrible to walk on though

Looking Towards Estella
With the white cliffs of Basque Country in the background

What Can I Say?
It’s been a long day.

A Room With A View
First private, just me, room. A white towel and my own bathroom. Luxury on the Camino. I have stuff spread out everywhere.

Stressed Feet.
Have to make it to Finisterre and Muxia first; about another 800 Kms. They are my obsession. Cream, tape, plasters, cut nails; where’s a podiatrist when you need one?

Comments

[kenny Taylor]

Camino
Fluffy towels the dogs bollocks as they say,,,,carry on walking..

[sherrys]

Catch up with you soon
Hopefully

[Susan Petch]

Friend
I am forwarding your blog to a two time camino walker. Is that OK? She is planning another walk this year.

[Claire Allen]

Grand Final-nil interest
Hey, wish I was over there with you...further away from hearing about pies in GF the better. Had another dog win today, so will focus on that. Loving your blog..keep walking and writing ?

[sherrys]

AFL Is Not Big Here
Didn’t know the results until Monday. Completely shocked. At least we stopped a Pie from winning the Brownlow. My Grand Final should be in Muxia with Tim on 1 November..