8 hours 40 minutes-26.7 km
Day 3-Cizur Menor-Puente de La Reina
7 hours 15 minutes-19.6 km
Today was another strenuous walk, with very few trees, so we spent the day in the blazing sun.
We had a steep climb to Alto de Perdon (the hill of forgiveness). The mountains here are covered with windmills. We had great views looking back over the valley and Pamplona. It seems like you can see for ever and it's hard to believe we have walked so far and so high.
Our music for the day was the gentle whirring sound of The giant windmills.
We walked for 3 hours before seeing our first person. Then we met Madas from Latvia. He doesn't stay in the hostals. He prefers to sleep at churches under whatever cover he can find. He has a huge backpack and says it weighs 40 pounds. He doesn't carry a tent.
He walks much faster than us, but he slowed down to walk our pace throughout the steep up and down
slopes. We had great conversation. He speaks many languages. We stop for a meal, Madas moves on. I hope we see him again.
We spend longer than usual for lunch and by the time we are back on the Camino there are many Pilgrims.
Another long and steep decent today, but the knees were up for the challenge and never complained.
Tonight we are staying in Puente de La Reina (Queen's Bridge). The town has one of the most picturesque medieval stone bridges with 6 arches which span the ever present Arga River.
I wish you peace, love, and laughter
Rita
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wow Mom, reading your blog has brought tears to my eyes. What an adventure. Madas sounds so interesting. I am glad your knees were quiet today. Ellen and I walked at Maudsley this morning and took as many uphill routes as we could. Take care. Love Heidi
ReplyDeleteWonderful description of your hike, Rita! My husband and I will toast to the success of your pilgrimage tonight. Glad your knees aren't complaining anymore. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this adventure with all of us! You're piling on the miles (or kilometers!)
ReplyDeleteSue
Hi Auntie Rita,
ReplyDeleteI finally got a chance to read your blog.I will be sure to make copies for my mom, for she is very interested in your journey. Whether you travel 50 miles or 500- I just wanted to let you know that you are simply amazing and I am so proud. The way you tell of your experiences is so gripping. It's like a good book that you can't put down. I will be thinking of you and Uncle Ronnie!
Love, Amelia
Oh how neat to meet other pilgrims from all different places. How many languages do you speak, Rita? The windmills sound beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about your experiences. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. I'm not there--but feel like I am.
Prayers and Hugs,
Betsy
Hi Auntie Rita,
ReplyDeleteI awoke this morning and the first thought I had was of you and Uncle Ronnie. Since your days are filled with many challenges , I decided to challenge myself today and got up at 5:30 which would have never happened without out your pilgrimage. I have been thinking about your writing abilities and wanted to let you know that your descriptions and experiences come alive- a true gift from god. Enjoy your day, as I know you will. Looking forward to sitting back and reading more. Love, Amelia
You are doing well Rita and the body very accommodating..
ReplyDeletebest wishes
Happy days
Finally found and read your blog-I am crying-don't know why. I am so happy for you!!! Ameila had my same thoughts-You are a writer!
ReplyDeleteIt will only get better, can't wait to read more. Your body will do what you ask.
Love, Cheryl