The next 42 kilometres

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Although not totally straight forward, we’ll spare you the details, the camping stove gas mission was accomplished successfully in Pamplona. The Spaniards don’t appear to be the most fervent of 'proper' campers. Since our leaving Pamplona much has happened and another 42 kilometres covered. Although before we give the latest we must make a quick mention on the Dutch. Wow, they truly are everywhere and certainly lead the world in their numbers undertaking ambitious biking endeavours. On both our first and second nights camping the only other people that we shared the tent camping area with were both Dutch. Both with bike and both had started cycling from Holland on their journeys to Santiago. The second was even on a three month route going back via Italy. Such biking trips have become such common place in Holland that a book with detailed maps and instructions (we saw it) has been created and has recently superseded Harry Potter’s latest adventure as the top selling book in Holland (ok, so we made that last bit up). So it seems the rest of the world needs to look to it laurels and determine how it can boost itself towards the Dutch participation levels in challenging exploration and endeavour whilst it must also be noted remaining a thoroughly decent and friendly bunch of folk as the Dutch overwhelmingly are. Sorry the bit on the Dutch took a few more words than expected so we’ll be brief on the update. The countryside in Navarra, the region of Spain we are currently in, has been stunning with its fields of green pasture, golden corn and plentiful vines. As we walk the birds of prey are almost continuously in sight majestically gliding on the thermals. But for such pleasurable scenes there are consequences namely the rain to keep it all so lush. Upon nearing Estella yesterday, where we are writing this from, we had a two hour deluge. One hour of which we were walking in and the other resting up in a cabin kindly loaned to us by the campsite we were staying that night so we could shelter and dry off before setting up the nights camp once the storm had passed. Our bodies are taking slightly longer than our minds to settle into things. Our 14 kilo backpacks are giving the limbs something to get used to. Although half a bottle of the local vino tinto taken each evening seems the optimal treatment. So in the interest of our health we will be strong and remain faithful to our medication. Plus in a few days we’ll reach Rioja.

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Photos

The bull run
We weren´t there for the real thing but this statue gives an inclination of the event.

Comments

[Ashley]

Hey hey!
hey guys! i see you're complaining about the weight of your back packs.....AGAIN!! haha! quit your moaning and get walking :) love you xxx p.s keep blogging on here its kool to know what ya doing :)