Today we woke after a great night sleep despite there being the live band right outside the window! We walked to the cathedral to meet CJ and Alex after there party night last night. They told us all about the fiesta and they were both a little delicate this morning after only 1 or 2 hours sleep. Apparently it was good and there were tents of food and music but we didnt miss too much. To be honest I was glad to get a full nights sleep.
Todays walk was a 22km day so not too bad. We began with walking out of Leon and on our way out we came across a bakery. We ended up having fresh out the oven croissants and pan au chocolat´s! It was delicious and perked up CJ and Alex! The walk itself was okay if a little boring. We paused halfway for a lemonade and ice cream and after that we all seemed to turn a little odd. We sung songs in canon and pretend to twirl my poles as though they were battons. The 4km left to our destination however went ever so quickly! haha
When we arrived in Mazarife the albergue we chose has a pool! Yes , a pool! So feet are definatley going to be dunked later on! The walls in the albergue are all covered in graffiti of quotes, pictures and memories from pilgrims past which is pretty cool! We also have our OWN room !!!
As I am writing this CJ and Alex are having a much needed siesta and Jess is relaxing in the sun. For dinner I think we are going to cook for ourselves hopefully depending on what they mean by ´supermarket´.
We shall then spend the rest of the evening relaxing and getting an early night as tomorrow is a 30k day! :O
Saturday 29 June 2013
Mansilla to Leon (18km)
Today we woke at 6.30 and set off around 7. I took it steadily with CJ as todays walk was only 18km into Leon. The walk itself was predominantly on pavements or by the sides of roads so wasnt great on the feet. We passed through three or four small towns before we got the first view of Leon which is HUGE!
We arrived around 11.30 and found Alex who had been walking ahead. But there was no sign of Jess. As we walked into the albergue she appeared (thankfully) behind us and said she´d gotten a little lost on the way to the albergue. But we all made it!
The albergue is a monestry once again so we are amoungst nuns, and after a really good and powerful shower we walked around Leon. We had some lunch in a cafe aand then some really good frozen yoghurt which seems to be a popular food choice in Leon as there are loads of yoghurt shops.
I then checked my results for my second year of university online and I passed with a 2.2 ( 0.7 marks off a 2.1 :( ) Me and CJ then joined Senan and Anne at a bar across from the albergue and they bought me a couple of sangria in celebration.
For dinner we were with Andy and he fancied a kebab so we ended up at a kebab place. :l
It wasnt too bad but luckly I wasnt really hungry so just had a drink and a chicken and lettuce wrap. We bumped into Aussie (boy) Alex and his friend Luca (Switzerland) who said they´d booked into a hotel. Andy then went to book a room as there currently is a HUGE fiesta in Leon (and all over Spain). Our albergue as it was run by nuns had a curfew of 9.30pm so he then offered the two extra beds to us so that we may go to the fiesta. However, myself and Jess didnt want to risk being kicked out of the hotel for having too many people in one room and then have no where to sleep so we told CJ and Alex to go out and have fun without us. Hopefully CJ and Alex will tell us all about it tomorrow morning and to be honest theres a live rock band right outside our bedroom window so it feels very much more fiesta than siesta!
Hopefully we shall get some sleep.
We arrived around 11.30 and found Alex who had been walking ahead. But there was no sign of Jess. As we walked into the albergue she appeared (thankfully) behind us and said she´d gotten a little lost on the way to the albergue. But we all made it!
The albergue is a monestry once again so we are amoungst nuns, and after a really good and powerful shower we walked around Leon. We had some lunch in a cafe aand then some really good frozen yoghurt which seems to be a popular food choice in Leon as there are loads of yoghurt shops.
I then checked my results for my second year of university online and I passed with a 2.2 ( 0.7 marks off a 2.1 :( ) Me and CJ then joined Senan and Anne at a bar across from the albergue and they bought me a couple of sangria in celebration.
For dinner we were with Andy and he fancied a kebab so we ended up at a kebab place. :l
It wasnt too bad but luckly I wasnt really hungry so just had a drink and a chicken and lettuce wrap. We bumped into Aussie (boy) Alex and his friend Luca (Switzerland) who said they´d booked into a hotel. Andy then went to book a room as there currently is a HUGE fiesta in Leon (and all over Spain). Our albergue as it was run by nuns had a curfew of 9.30pm so he then offered the two extra beds to us so that we may go to the fiesta. However, myself and Jess didnt want to risk being kicked out of the hotel for having too many people in one room and then have no where to sleep so we told CJ and Alex to go out and have fun without us. Hopefully CJ and Alex will tell us all about it tomorrow morning and to be honest theres a live rock band right outside our bedroom window so it feels very much more fiesta than siesta!
Hopefully we shall get some sleep.
Thursday 27 June 2013
Calzadilla to Mansilla > 24km
Today we set off at 7am after a hug and a buen camino from the Brazil albergue woman. Myself, Jess and Alex ended up walking the entire 24km without a break or rest as there were no towns to pass through. The walk wasnt too difficult, apart from the very difficult stoney, and painful paths which seemed to be endless at times. Today, for me, wasnt that bad. My knees actually didnt give in too much and I was less exhausted by the end. Perhaps, I am beginning to get use to this walking lark haha.
Again the views were not very impressive and was again pretty desert like. However tomorrow we only have a 18km walk into Leon so we should have plenty to see and do there.
The municiple albergue in Mansilla is perfectly located next to several bars and restaurants and three grocery stores = a real luxury on the camino. The rooms are bunks and very pleasant and comfortable. There is also a really nice courtyard with flowers covering each wall which we sat in with a beverage and ice cream.
Again the views were not very impressive and was again pretty desert like. However tomorrow we only have a 18km walk into Leon so we should have plenty to see and do there.
The municiple albergue in Mansilla is perfectly located next to several bars and restaurants and three grocery stores = a real luxury on the camino. The rooms are bunks and very pleasant and comfortable. There is also a really nice courtyard with flowers covering each wall which we sat in with a beverage and ice cream.
Terradillos de los Templarios to Calzadilla
Todays walk was a 26km walk and the beginning passed through a couple of small towns and was fairly scenic. We arrived then in Sahagun which was an unimpressive town despite the guide book saying it was historical , but to us it just looked run down. We did however pass over a mark saying it was exactly half way between Roncevailles and Santiago!
After and hours breakwe continued. This half of the walk was barren and desert like so was taxing mentally and physically because of the heat. Also the last half of the walk is the hardest for me personally as my knees ´´give up the go¨.
The albergue in Calzadilla is donation and is pods of four bunk beds.
We all )everyone at the albergue and then some of our friends who are staying at the other albergue) went to the local store. We bought some wine and food to make a communal meal. At first the lady looking after the albergue (a volunteer from Brazil) was concerned and spent most of the time whilst we were cooking, shouting at us all! Particularly when we placed 8 bottles of wine on the table and she threatened everyone with the police. However there was 13 or 14 people eating with us! The meal consisted of ; tomato, garlic chickpea and pepper sauce with pasta, mixed salad, bread, cheese, olives, and some spanish apple dessert slice thing. She then realised everything was fine and we were not crazy drunken pilgrims and she actually ended up dancing with us and teaching Anne to salsa and flamenco. It was a great night and only cost everyone €2!
After and hours breakwe continued. This half of the walk was barren and desert like so was taxing mentally and physically because of the heat. Also the last half of the walk is the hardest for me personally as my knees ´´give up the go¨.
The albergue in Calzadilla is donation and is pods of four bunk beds.
We all )everyone at the albergue and then some of our friends who are staying at the other albergue) went to the local store. We bought some wine and food to make a communal meal. At first the lady looking after the albergue (a volunteer from Brazil) was concerned and spent most of the time whilst we were cooking, shouting at us all! Particularly when we placed 8 bottles of wine on the table and she threatened everyone with the police. However there was 13 or 14 people eating with us! The meal consisted of ; tomato, garlic chickpea and pepper sauce with pasta, mixed salad, bread, cheese, olives, and some spanish apple dessert slice thing. She then realised everything was fine and we were not crazy drunken pilgrims and she actually ended up dancing with us and teaching Anne to salsa and flamenco. It was a great night and only cost everyone €2!
Carrion de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios. (26.8km)
Todays walk was long.
Very long.
There was nothing along the way other than fields of wheat. We stopped at the first town we came to called Caldadilla de la Cueza. Here we had a tortilla sandwich and I had my daily fix of lemonade. :p
We continued until Terradillos which seems to be in the middle of nowhere! We are staying in the original pilgrim hostel and its €8. The showers were good and then we found CJ who had walked with Ozzy Alex. They are staying at the newer albergue at the start of town which is apparently quite cramped.
For dinner we just had a tortilla and salad and a €2 bottle of white wine.
Nothing much more to say for today.
Very long.
There was nothing along the way other than fields of wheat. We stopped at the first town we came to called Caldadilla de la Cueza. Here we had a tortilla sandwich and I had my daily fix of lemonade. :p
We continued until Terradillos which seems to be in the middle of nowhere! We are staying in the original pilgrim hostel and its €8. The showers were good and then we found CJ who had walked with Ozzy Alex. They are staying at the newer albergue at the start of town which is apparently quite cramped.
For dinner we just had a tortilla and salad and a €2 bottle of white wine.
Nothing much more to say for today.
Fromista to Carrion de Los condes
Last night Cj and Jess disappeared to look around the town. Whilst Alex was napping I ended up doing some diaratonic and chi-gun exercises run by the Californian lady, Melissa. It was amusing and did get us to stretch all of our spine and arms. Then me and Alex got concerned when it got to 7.30 and neither of them were back. Eventually jess returned and we walked to where CJ was having a drink. We ghastly a really good meal! We had homemade burgers and chips and a huge glass of sangria! And the best ice cream sundae ever!
Today we set off leisurely at around 7.30. Today's walk was only 20.5k and was the first of the walks which in the book states that it is "the first taste of soulless senda". The walk was mainly alongside main roads and has concrete camino blocks lining the way. We took a scenic route which passed alongside the river and had some shade from the trees. I walked with jess and Alex today and we stopped 6k away from our destination to grab some lunch. Both me and jess had a hamburger and Alex a 'vegetarian' sandwich with tuna? (The Spanish don't seem to get the vegetarian concept.) We also looked in the church there which was good and we got a stamp. We continued into Carrion and went to the espirtu santo albergue which is a little odd. We have single beds divided by gender as the place is run by nuns. It feels a little like we´re naughty school children at boarding school as we were told to wait outside the office on stools. Anyways, it only cost €5 and has the benefit of no snoring old men!
We went for dinner which was an experience as there was only one server so it took forever especially for Alex´s food which took well over an hour. But towards the end of the meal Jess gave her a telling off and we didnt pay for her pizza! Then after that most people went back to their hostels and we were left wih Anne and Senan (the Irish teachers). She told us hilarious stories (helped I think by the supply of wine) of school trips one including an accidental strip tease show and one where a boat had broken down and some people had to be airlifted. Apparently a fireman then broke his lef and they had to wait for life boats instead. It was hilarious.
We rerturned to our room and the nuns came in and kissed everyone good night - it was lovley!
Today we set off leisurely at around 7.30. Today's walk was only 20.5k and was the first of the walks which in the book states that it is "the first taste of soulless senda". The walk was mainly alongside main roads and has concrete camino blocks lining the way. We took a scenic route which passed alongside the river and had some shade from the trees. I walked with jess and Alex today and we stopped 6k away from our destination to grab some lunch. Both me and jess had a hamburger and Alex a 'vegetarian' sandwich with tuna? (The Spanish don't seem to get the vegetarian concept.) We also looked in the church there which was good and we got a stamp. We continued into Carrion and went to the espirtu santo albergue which is a little odd. We have single beds divided by gender as the place is run by nuns. It feels a little like we´re naughty school children at boarding school as we were told to wait outside the office on stools. Anyways, it only cost €5 and has the benefit of no snoring old men!
We went for dinner which was an experience as there was only one server so it took forever especially for Alex´s food which took well over an hour. But towards the end of the meal Jess gave her a telling off and we didnt pay for her pizza! Then after that most people went back to their hostels and we were left wih Anne and Senan (the Irish teachers). She told us hilarious stories (helped I think by the supply of wine) of school trips one including an accidental strip tease show and one where a boat had broken down and some people had to be airlifted. Apparently a fireman then broke his lef and they had to wait for life boats instead. It was hilarious.
We rerturned to our room and the nuns came in and kissed everyone good night - it was lovley!
Sunday 23 June 2013
Castrojeriz to Fromista (25.2km)
Today we woke up at 6am after not such a great sleep as there was a fiesta all night in the town including a fireworks display and live bands through until at least 5am!
We set off today and ended up all walking seperatley. I plugged into my ipod and listened to some music to get my feet moving faster. Todays walk was 25km so was not too bad! The views were lovely today as the sun was shining. The walk begun with a steep uphill climb but the views from the top were well worth it. It was the downhill afterwards which was painful for me.
We paused once in an albergue bar and had an ice lolly and then continued along a canal path for the last 5km.
The albergue in Fromista is lovley, sturdy bunks, comfy matress, decent showers and finally Internet!
There is a nice patio where everyone is sat (including a black labrador which belongs to the owners) so its very nice. Hopefully we shall have a good nights sleep!
We set off today and ended up all walking seperatley. I plugged into my ipod and listened to some music to get my feet moving faster. Todays walk was 25km so was not too bad! The views were lovely today as the sun was shining. The walk begun with a steep uphill climb but the views from the top were well worth it. It was the downhill afterwards which was painful for me.
We paused once in an albergue bar and had an ice lolly and then continued along a canal path for the last 5km.
The albergue in Fromista is lovley, sturdy bunks, comfy matress, decent showers and finally Internet!
There is a nice patio where everyone is sat (including a black labrador which belongs to the owners) so its very nice. Hopefully we shall have a good nights sleep!
Hornillos to Castrojeriz (20km)
Today we set off a lot later so not to arrive too early in the next town. We casually woke at 7am (HUGE lye in!) and had breakfast in the kitchen for a change. We then headed off at 7.35am ish. The morning of the walk was cast over and misty so we had no views other than fields either side of us. I chatted to Alex for most of this walk which turned into a deep conversation about how life differs whilst on the camino. We stopped in a small town called ´Hontanas´ for a hot chocolate and pan au chocolat. Then creepy drunk men (bear in mind it was only 10.30am!) came over and talked to Alex about there being a party, we ignored them and moved on quickly.
We left and the mist cleared and out came the sun and the heat! We got talking to a Californian lady called Mellissa, who works as a kind of doctor, but one of thinking how the body moves and to adjust it to solves illness and moods. It was strange but interesting.
We came across a ruined monastery which was cool and then arrived in our town. The albergue is really nice! It is a room of bunks and materesses on the floor, has good showers and free hot chocolate! The albergue owner even bought a table of us a free beer at the bar down the road. We got talking to two Irish teachers, Andy (a southern american man - bug fan of country music), a father and daughter from southern america, Melissa and an Australian girl called Alex. We all ended up going for dinner at a taverna down the road, which had a good pilgrim menu! This ended in everyone singing songs and then having a performance of country music from Andy and then Irish folk from the Irish man. It was great fun!
We left and the mist cleared and out came the sun and the heat! We got talking to a Californian lady called Mellissa, who works as a kind of doctor, but one of thinking how the body moves and to adjust it to solves illness and moods. It was strange but interesting.
We came across a ruined monastery which was cool and then arrived in our town. The albergue is really nice! It is a room of bunks and materesses on the floor, has good showers and free hot chocolate! The albergue owner even bought a table of us a free beer at the bar down the road. We got talking to two Irish teachers, Andy (a southern american man - bug fan of country music), a father and daughter from southern america, Melissa and an Australian girl called Alex. We all ended up going for dinner at a taverna down the road, which had a good pilgrim menu! This ended in everyone singing songs and then having a performance of country music from Andy and then Irish folk from the Irish man. It was great fun!
Burgos to Hornillos del Camino
Today we set off at 6.30 and begun a faster pased 21km walk to Hornillos as there is only one hostel with 30 beds. The walk was fine, the weather was cast over again so views were limited. The walk slowly climbs to a hill top just before the town, but it was the downhill which killed my knees, so at that point I lost sight of the others. I took my time and we arrived in the town for 10.30am! The albergue as we then found out doesnt open until 12 noon, so we had a snack and I had several lemonades at the bar/cafe.
The albergue is simple and not as good as last night (bobbly sunken in matresses etc) and it cost €5. Jess described them as ´bed buggy´. For dinner we called at the very small supermarket and bought some bread, Burgos cheese and tomatoes and we had a cheese on toast style dinner.
The albergue is simple and not as good as last night (bobbly sunken in matresses etc) and it cost €5. Jess described them as ´bed buggy´. For dinner we called at the very small supermarket and bought some bread, Burgos cheese and tomatoes and we had a cheese on toast style dinner.
San Juan de Ortega to Burgos
Today we set off at 7am and it wasnt raining today!
Alex and Jess, again, disapeared into the distance leaving myself and CJ to hobble behind. The beginning of the 25k walk was through woodland and this was peaceful and beautiful despite the cast over skies. Then it climed a hill which at the top was next to Spanish army barracks and it all looked scary and eary!
We met up again with Jess and Alex at a cafe in one of the small towns. I had a chorizo sandwich and a ice cold lemonade and we continued on our way. The walk after this last small town was not as fun, we walked on mainly paths and roads so it was very hard on the feet. Me and CJ met a man from Canada whilst walking through the streets of Burgos. It was like a treasure hunt trying to find small yellow painting arrows on anything in the city centre!
The albergue is really nice, the beds have their own side lamp and plug socket and has 8 showers! And there was space within the shower cubicle to actually change!
We walked into Burgos centre and I bought a new bag to replace my broken one! It cost €96 so I am now officially poor - but at least I have one less fear of my bag breaking halfway through a walk!
We went to a creperie and had savory pancakes for dinner. Mine was called ´Mexico´ and consisted of chicken, cheese, sweetcorn and tabasco sauce - Yum! I also had a fresh strawberry ice juice drink and then a sweet crepe for dessert (nutella and banana - my fav!).
I then skyped my mum and sister which was great apart from some technical difficulties with broken headphones and then no webcams. After packing my bag I then went to bed... zzz
Alex and Jess, again, disapeared into the distance leaving myself and CJ to hobble behind. The beginning of the 25k walk was through woodland and this was peaceful and beautiful despite the cast over skies. Then it climed a hill which at the top was next to Spanish army barracks and it all looked scary and eary!
We met up again with Jess and Alex at a cafe in one of the small towns. I had a chorizo sandwich and a ice cold lemonade and we continued on our way. The walk after this last small town was not as fun, we walked on mainly paths and roads so it was very hard on the feet. Me and CJ met a man from Canada whilst walking through the streets of Burgos. It was like a treasure hunt trying to find small yellow painting arrows on anything in the city centre!
The albergue is really nice, the beds have their own side lamp and plug socket and has 8 showers! And there was space within the shower cubicle to actually change!
We walked into Burgos centre and I bought a new bag to replace my broken one! It cost €96 so I am now officially poor - but at least I have one less fear of my bag breaking halfway through a walk!
We went to a creperie and had savory pancakes for dinner. Mine was called ´Mexico´ and consisted of chicken, cheese, sweetcorn and tabasco sauce - Yum! I also had a fresh strawberry ice juice drink and then a sweet crepe for dessert (nutella and banana - my fav!).
I then skyped my mum and sister which was great apart from some technical difficulties with broken headphones and then no webcams. After packing my bag I then went to bed... zzz
Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
Today we woke up at 6.15 and went and got ready in the corridor as most of the other people were still sleeping.
Today was a VERY wet and rainy day and both me and CJ again were at the back as my knee and her foot are still playing up! We fauced once in a small town called ¨Villafranca¨and stopped in a cafe to have a hot chocolate and croissant. We then played the ´Frog´game.
This involves saying öne frog¨and the other person says ¨jumped in¨and then you say ¨the lake¨. As the number of frogs increases you repeate the phrase to the same count. This is a very complicated game, particularly when already concerntrating on not falling over. We managaed to get to 9 frogs before failing We then made up my ´future´no cost spared wedding in full detail which sounds odd but it deffinalty helped pass at least 10km!
We arrived at around 1.30pm and by then I was freezing cold (as I was in shorts so not to get my only warm clothes wet). The walk itself wasn´t bad either, particularly not as bad as portrayed in the guide book which showed three steep hills. It was the rain and cold which ruined this 24.3km walk. The albergue is okay but has heating which is the best part! However the albergue owner came in and moved all our boots and chucked them outside so that will be pleasant in the morning! We then went to the cafe and had a hot chocolate again to warm up!
We then attended a pilgrims mass at the church and we were blessed for the journey which is good as I need all the luck I can get! We had dinner with a lovley lady from Ireland (Dublin) and talked about educational systems in all our countries (England, Ireland and USA). For dinner we had spanish tortilla (or omelette) and I had chorizo in mine.
Today was a VERY wet and rainy day and both me and CJ again were at the back as my knee and her foot are still playing up! We fauced once in a small town called ¨Villafranca¨and stopped in a cafe to have a hot chocolate and croissant. We then played the ´Frog´game.
This involves saying öne frog¨and the other person says ¨jumped in¨and then you say ¨the lake¨. As the number of frogs increases you repeate the phrase to the same count. This is a very complicated game, particularly when already concerntrating on not falling over. We managaed to get to 9 frogs before failing We then made up my ´future´no cost spared wedding in full detail which sounds odd but it deffinalty helped pass at least 10km!
We arrived at around 1.30pm and by then I was freezing cold (as I was in shorts so not to get my only warm clothes wet). The walk itself wasn´t bad either, particularly not as bad as portrayed in the guide book which showed three steep hills. It was the rain and cold which ruined this 24.3km walk. The albergue is okay but has heating which is the best part! However the albergue owner came in and moved all our boots and chucked them outside so that will be pleasant in the morning! We then went to the cafe and had a hot chocolate again to warm up!
We then attended a pilgrims mass at the church and we were blessed for the journey which is good as I need all the luck I can get! We had dinner with a lovley lady from Ireland (Dublin) and talked about educational systems in all our countries (England, Ireland and USA). For dinner we had spanish tortilla (or omelette) and I had chorizo in mine.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado
Yesterday, we went to the cathedral which for a fee of €3 was all access to the building - including the roof! They had a huge collection of paintings, religious artefacts, and statues all dating as early as the 11th Century! It was beautiful and well worth the visit. We also found that Santo Domingo has an obsession with chickens. This has something to do with a miracle occuring, involving a chicken and hen coming back to life. They even keep live chickens within the cathedral walls.
Last night, myself, Jess and Alex went and had a pilgrim menu in the town.We ended up talking to an irish man who was walking a stretch of the camino.
After a good nights sleep (however there were more people in our room!) we set off on the 24km walk which was all in the rain! :(
There was therefore NO views at all and the majority of the walk was next to a main road. I walked very slowly with CJ as she has tendonitis which is sore and I am still hobbling along. Our albergue today is €5 and has a pool! Typical that on the day its raining and cold theres a pool! Well hey ho :/
It has a strange feel, a bit like a cheap holiday park feel. Very Odd! But it had an AMAZING shower which was much needed after our soggy walk!
We then walked into the centre of the small town and got a hot chocolate at a cafe and then we went to a pharmacy. I wanted some deep heat or something as my back is very tense and painful! Also I am not able to get a bus tomorrow as the town is too small and has no obvious place to get some transport. So no rest day for me yet :l.
Last night, myself, Jess and Alex went and had a pilgrim menu in the town.We ended up talking to an irish man who was walking a stretch of the camino.
After a good nights sleep (however there were more people in our room!) we set off on the 24km walk which was all in the rain! :(
There was therefore NO views at all and the majority of the walk was next to a main road. I walked very slowly with CJ as she has tendonitis which is sore and I am still hobbling along. Our albergue today is €5 and has a pool! Typical that on the day its raining and cold theres a pool! Well hey ho :/
It has a strange feel, a bit like a cheap holiday park feel. Very Odd! But it had an AMAZING shower which was much needed after our soggy walk!
We then walked into the centre of the small town and got a hot chocolate at a cafe and then we went to a pharmacy. I wanted some deep heat or something as my back is very tense and painful! Also I am not able to get a bus tomorrow as the town is too small and has no obvious place to get some transport. So no rest day for me yet :l.
Monday 17 June 2013
Najera to Santo Domingo
Hello,
Last nights sleep was great as the AC worked spledidly! woo!
We woke today earlier than anticipated as everyone else decided they would leave ridiculously early!
The walk today was 21km and was again not spectacular on the scenery front, it was again majoritaly vine yards and fields of wheat. I was again at the back of the group, but I feel alot better today about it all, I think maybe from talking to my family and getting the kick I needed to continue! I occupied myself we singing to myself which was a fun but weird experience! haha
We took a pause half way at a town called, Ciruena, which was a strange place which looked as if it had just been dumped there randomly. We had a pan au chocolat and a cold drink at the golf clubs bar and continued on our way.
Today we are staying in an old monastry which is run by nuns who live across from the courtyard. Currently we are the only ones in our room so we should get a decent nights sleep again!
Tomorrow is a 22km walk and again not incredibly steep, hopefully it shall be a little more exciting on the scenery!
Adios for now :)
Last nights sleep was great as the AC worked spledidly! woo!
We woke today earlier than anticipated as everyone else decided they would leave ridiculously early!
The walk today was 21km and was again not spectacular on the scenery front, it was again majoritaly vine yards and fields of wheat. I was again at the back of the group, but I feel alot better today about it all, I think maybe from talking to my family and getting the kick I needed to continue! I occupied myself we singing to myself which was a fun but weird experience! haha
We took a pause half way at a town called, Ciruena, which was a strange place which looked as if it had just been dumped there randomly. We had a pan au chocolat and a cold drink at the golf clubs bar and continued on our way.
Today we are staying in an old monastry which is run by nuns who live across from the courtyard. Currently we are the only ones in our room so we should get a decent nights sleep again!
Tomorrow is a 22km walk and again not incredibly steep, hopefully it shall be a little more exciting on the scenery!
Adios for now :)
30k Walk Logrono to Najera
Today we woke up early at 5.30am after a reasonable nights sleep, it was just very very hot! Also it was a Saturday night in a big city which seemed to have an abundance of drunken stag, hens and students up until we set off walking at 6am.
Julia´s dad, George (the South African pilgrims) offered to take my 13kg (without water weight) via a transportation system therefore myself and Julia could share her bags weight between us both. This was much welcomed as the walk today was very long and went into the afternoon, the temperature being 35´c at least! The scenery wasnt the best we have seen whilst on our walks, occasionaly passing through vine yards but majoritaly on roads.
When we reached the half way point we paused for a longer lunch stop at a small bar en route. This was much welcomed and I had a cold glass of coke with ice and an ice lolly! Me and Julia swapped bags here and continued on the walk. At one point towards the end we seemed to have gotten ourselves a little lost. Luckily a spanish jogger showed us which path to take, which we suspect cut of 5km off the original walk!
The Albergue was difficult to find being a huge walk from one end of the town to the other! This particular albergue is a donation one so I put in €5 and went to have a long cold shower!
I was then able to speak to my mum and dad on skype which was great and gave me the push I needed to continue as I am starting to feel exhausted and crabby with this walk, mainly because I feel as though I´m not fit enough to continue with the day after day long walks! My knees and feet reflect this. I am therefore thinking of taking a rest day and getting the bus to the next albergue to meet them (on my own as I believe the others want to continue without stopping - good on them! :o ).
So, I shall update as soon as I can.
Julia´s dad, George (the South African pilgrims) offered to take my 13kg (without water weight) via a transportation system therefore myself and Julia could share her bags weight between us both. This was much welcomed as the walk today was very long and went into the afternoon, the temperature being 35´c at least! The scenery wasnt the best we have seen whilst on our walks, occasionaly passing through vine yards but majoritaly on roads.
When we reached the half way point we paused for a longer lunch stop at a small bar en route. This was much welcomed and I had a cold glass of coke with ice and an ice lolly! Me and Julia swapped bags here and continued on the walk. At one point towards the end we seemed to have gotten ourselves a little lost. Luckily a spanish jogger showed us which path to take, which we suspect cut of 5km off the original walk!
The Albergue was difficult to find being a huge walk from one end of the town to the other! This particular albergue is a donation one so I put in €5 and went to have a long cold shower!
I was then able to speak to my mum and dad on skype which was great and gave me the push I needed to continue as I am starting to feel exhausted and crabby with this walk, mainly because I feel as though I´m not fit enough to continue with the day after day long walks! My knees and feet reflect this. I am therefore thinking of taking a rest day and getting the bus to the next albergue to meet them (on my own as I believe the others want to continue without stopping - good on them! :o ).
So, I shall update as soon as I can.
Torres del Rio to Logrono
Hello all again,.
Today is Jess´s birthday (20 now !! :o) and we begun our day with a breakfast outside our albergue in Torres del Rio. It wasnt anything spectacluar but made a change from a piece of fruit whilst walking!
Todays walk wasnt a spectacular one for scenery either as , despite the book saying it was majoritaly on paths, it seemed liek we were on roads for most of it! So theres not much to say about the walk itself.
We arrived in Logrono around lunchtime so after the usual showering and changing at our albergue we went to look around. Logrono, as we descovered, is quite a party town host to many stag and hen dos. We also witnessed a wedding which was taking place in the church which is located in a square of cafes and bars. We first got some pizzas between 6 of us (me, Jess, CJ, Alex, Julia and a lad from near Leeds called ____). We then found a supermarket and stocked up on fruit for our breakfasts tomorrow.
For dinner we had pasta at a restaurant and myself and Jess tried Sangria for the first time which was really nice! We then walked to get an ice cream for dessert and headed back to the albergue for bedtime :P
Such partiers we are.
However, the rooms we were in were boiling once again and also cramped and noisy! Jess said she was sleeping next to someone who called themselves the Pavarotti of Snoring! haha
Anyway, long day tomorrow with a 30k walk! :S
Adios
Today is Jess´s birthday (20 now !! :o) and we begun our day with a breakfast outside our albergue in Torres del Rio. It wasnt anything spectacluar but made a change from a piece of fruit whilst walking!
Todays walk wasnt a spectacular one for scenery either as , despite the book saying it was majoritaly on paths, it seemed liek we were on roads for most of it! So theres not much to say about the walk itself.
We arrived in Logrono around lunchtime so after the usual showering and changing at our albergue we went to look around. Logrono, as we descovered, is quite a party town host to many stag and hen dos. We also witnessed a wedding which was taking place in the church which is located in a square of cafes and bars. We first got some pizzas between 6 of us (me, Jess, CJ, Alex, Julia and a lad from near Leeds called ____). We then found a supermarket and stocked up on fruit for our breakfasts tomorrow.
For dinner we had pasta at a restaurant and myself and Jess tried Sangria for the first time which was really nice! We then walked to get an ice cream for dessert and headed back to the albergue for bedtime :P
Such partiers we are.
However, the rooms we were in were boiling once again and also cramped and noisy! Jess said she was sleeping next to someone who called themselves the Pavarotti of Snoring! haha
Anyway, long day tomorrow with a 30k walk! :S
Adios
Estella to Torres Del Rio
Last night we cooked for ourselves and made tomato pasta with cheese and watermelon for dessert. It was a good meal!! We then played some card games one which was CJ´s game (I forget what it was called) was a really fun game and I won! WOo!
Today we set off up through Estella until we reached a vine yard. Here was a red wine tap which traditionally you drink from your shell (which you carry along with you throughout the camino). We walked with the usual group plus Julia too. I walked the majority of today on my own as I was a lot slower today!! We then continued winding ourselves through fields and other vine yards. We climbed up into a hilltop village and then began the decent. We reached Los Arcos at 12.30ish and we decided (despite my protest as my knees were painful today) we would continue a further 8km to the town of Torres Del Rio. Before we set off we met up with Julias Dad. He was able to give me a drug which relives muscle pain and relaxes them which I think helped greatly as we continiued our walk. This sounds dodgy, I know, but it wasnt at all! haha
We also visited the church is Los Arcos which was beautuiful inside! Lots of detailed gilding and paintings on the ceiling. We then continued on to Torres which was a very hot walk as it was past lunch time and the temperature must have been well above 30´c.
The albergue we chose to stay in is one of two (the other one having a swimming pool - but hey). Its comfortable but we found ourselves in a room with 4 spanish men - who, we descovered whilst were napping, SNORE! Very loudly too!
I managed to catch a nap too after my shower, however another bad luck charm has struck! I woke up with right red eyes and they were leaking a strange gunky stuff! EWW! Anyway ...
For dinner we went to the only restaurant and had a pilgrim menu. I had salad starter, chicken and fries and a fruit salad for dessert. We paid €20 for bed, dinner and breakfast. Tomorrow is Jess´s birthday so that should make a good start to the day! Also as we walked a further 8km, we have shortened her walking birthday day to only 20km. This meaning we should hit Logrono by dinner time and hopefully before the heat!!
Today we set off up through Estella until we reached a vine yard. Here was a red wine tap which traditionally you drink from your shell (which you carry along with you throughout the camino). We walked with the usual group plus Julia too. I walked the majority of today on my own as I was a lot slower today!! We then continued winding ourselves through fields and other vine yards. We climbed up into a hilltop village and then began the decent. We reached Los Arcos at 12.30ish and we decided (despite my protest as my knees were painful today) we would continue a further 8km to the town of Torres Del Rio. Before we set off we met up with Julias Dad. He was able to give me a drug which relives muscle pain and relaxes them which I think helped greatly as we continiued our walk. This sounds dodgy, I know, but it wasnt at all! haha
We also visited the church is Los Arcos which was beautuiful inside! Lots of detailed gilding and paintings on the ceiling. We then continued on to Torres which was a very hot walk as it was past lunch time and the temperature must have been well above 30´c.
The albergue we chose to stay in is one of two (the other one having a swimming pool - but hey). Its comfortable but we found ourselves in a room with 4 spanish men - who, we descovered whilst were napping, SNORE! Very loudly too!
I managed to catch a nap too after my shower, however another bad luck charm has struck! I woke up with right red eyes and they were leaking a strange gunky stuff! EWW! Anyway ...
For dinner we went to the only restaurant and had a pilgrim menu. I had salad starter, chicken and fries and a fruit salad for dessert. We paid €20 for bed, dinner and breakfast. Tomorrow is Jess´s birthday so that should make a good start to the day! Also as we walked a further 8km, we have shortened her walking birthday day to only 20km. This meaning we should hit Logrono by dinner time and hopefully before the heat!!
Thursday 13 June 2013
Puente La Reina to Estella (Navarra) 21.9km
Today was a good day as it was the first walk where I have managed to finish with Jess and Alex! So I am quite proud of myself as we didnt take any breaks but for one to get an ice lolly (which i didnt sit down for)
However the day didnt start off so well.
Firstly I got barley any sleep as the albergue last night was ridiculously hot, and there was one woman snoring! Secondly, as we walked up through the town to cross over the arched bridge, my bag broke! One of the straps at the top holding the straps to the actual bag pulled away at the seam! So I wasnt best pleased. CJ tied it to another part of the bag which had broken on the first day so its still holding together - just. Thirdly as we walked through fields, a group of cyclist camino-ers asked us ´´has anyone lost their camera¨. It had fallen from my pocket as we marched along! And fourthly, as we climbed the first of the hills, I relaised I hadnt filled up my water bottles!!! AHHHHH!!!!
As you can see it was going well!
Anyway all was fine as we managed to fill them at a font in one of the villages en route.
The rest of the walk was fine, as the weather was perfect for walking with the sun shaded by clouds and a cool breeze. This did drift away towards the end of the day but was appreciated by all none the less. Half way through the walk we stopped to get an ice cream, (I had a calypo cola) which was good and cooled us all off. But as my bag was broke I didnt take it off or sit down really until we reached Estella.
The alebergue we chose to stay in is ´Hospital de Peregrinos´ which cost us €6 and the beds are comfy but more importantly - the rooms are much cooler!
I think tonight we are cooking for ourselves, but not sure what yet.
As for me, my feet are a little less sore however I do have two huge blisters on my left foot, probably from sympathising it when walking as it is the same foot that has ( and still is) cramped on the outerside of it. Massaging and stretching before bed is something we have all taken to doing as seems to help considerably!
Adios (for now) x
However the day didnt start off so well.
Firstly I got barley any sleep as the albergue last night was ridiculously hot, and there was one woman snoring! Secondly, as we walked up through the town to cross over the arched bridge, my bag broke! One of the straps at the top holding the straps to the actual bag pulled away at the seam! So I wasnt best pleased. CJ tied it to another part of the bag which had broken on the first day so its still holding together - just. Thirdly as we walked through fields, a group of cyclist camino-ers asked us ´´has anyone lost their camera¨. It had fallen from my pocket as we marched along! And fourthly, as we climbed the first of the hills, I relaised I hadnt filled up my water bottles!!! AHHHHH!!!!
As you can see it was going well!
Anyway all was fine as we managed to fill them at a font in one of the villages en route.
The rest of the walk was fine, as the weather was perfect for walking with the sun shaded by clouds and a cool breeze. This did drift away towards the end of the day but was appreciated by all none the less. Half way through the walk we stopped to get an ice cream, (I had a calypo cola) which was good and cooled us all off. But as my bag was broke I didnt take it off or sit down really until we reached Estella.
The alebergue we chose to stay in is ´Hospital de Peregrinos´ which cost us €6 and the beds are comfy but more importantly - the rooms are much cooler!
I think tonight we are cooking for ourselves, but not sure what yet.
As for me, my feet are a little less sore however I do have two huge blisters on my left foot, probably from sympathising it when walking as it is the same foot that has ( and still is) cramped on the outerside of it. Massaging and stretching before bed is something we have all taken to doing as seems to help considerably!
Adios (for now) x
Cizur Menor To Puente La Reina (19km)
The meal last night was great! We had a 3 course meal with a drink of choice and a bottle of wine and water, all for €11! And the food portions were BIG! For starters I had a pasta bolognaise and then a spanish chicken dish then some ice cream for dessert. :) YUM
Today we set off at 7am and walked again with CJ and Alex. The began with a huge incline which was exhausting but CJ kept me entertained with renditions of disney songs. When we reached the top there were some wonderful views over Spain. At the top there are also metal figures of pilgrims and horses which we had many photos with. Following this there was a steep decent which KILLS the knees! Then we climbed up and down across farm land and fields of wheat which was dispersed with red poppys, which was very beautiful.
We walked through several small towns and as we again got seperated from Jess and Alex we met a girl named Hannah from Austria who we walked the remainder of the walk with. We stopped at a bar as it was very very hot with very little shade from trees, I had an ice cold lemonade )of which i had been craving) and a sandwhich. By this time it was 12 noon so the temperature was rising still to be the hotest part of the day.
We eventually arrived into Puente La Reina. The albergue here is an old monastery and only cost us €5! We then got showered and saved our bunk beds. The 2 creepy spanish guys asked CJ and Alex for a drink, myself, jess and hannah then went to look at the large arch bridge which is a feature of the town. We also went into the church which inside had gold gilt everywhere and was very ornate!
One thig I have noticed whilst walked through these small towns is that all the towns have a church and they all have the bells on show in a bell tower which is lovley to see. I also love the Spanish streets as all the houses are clean lined and have huge ornate wooden doors and shutters on all the windows. It is very pituresque.
For tea myself and Jess went to a bar offering a pilgrim menu for €9. This was a great meal! For starters I had a large salad (which i felt helped keep up the vitamin intake) then battered Hake with fries and mayonaise. Then for dessert I had ice-cream, however Jess ordered ´seasonal fruit´ expecting a fruit salad or something, however when it arrived it was an orange on a plate! haha
At dinner we also met up with CJ (As Alex went out for a romatic meal with some spanish guy) and we also met a girl from South Africa called Julia, who is lovley and is currently walking it with her dad.
Ps. Belated Happy Anniversary to Mum and Dad! :D
Today we set off at 7am and walked again with CJ and Alex. The began with a huge incline which was exhausting but CJ kept me entertained with renditions of disney songs. When we reached the top there were some wonderful views over Spain. At the top there are also metal figures of pilgrims and horses which we had many photos with. Following this there was a steep decent which KILLS the knees! Then we climbed up and down across farm land and fields of wheat which was dispersed with red poppys, which was very beautiful.
We walked through several small towns and as we again got seperated from Jess and Alex we met a girl named Hannah from Austria who we walked the remainder of the walk with. We stopped at a bar as it was very very hot with very little shade from trees, I had an ice cold lemonade )of which i had been craving) and a sandwhich. By this time it was 12 noon so the temperature was rising still to be the hotest part of the day.
We eventually arrived into Puente La Reina. The albergue here is an old monastery and only cost us €5! We then got showered and saved our bunk beds. The 2 creepy spanish guys asked CJ and Alex for a drink, myself, jess and hannah then went to look at the large arch bridge which is a feature of the town. We also went into the church which inside had gold gilt everywhere and was very ornate!
One thig I have noticed whilst walked through these small towns is that all the towns have a church and they all have the bells on show in a bell tower which is lovley to see. I also love the Spanish streets as all the houses are clean lined and have huge ornate wooden doors and shutters on all the windows. It is very pituresque.
For tea myself and Jess went to a bar offering a pilgrim menu for €9. This was a great meal! For starters I had a large salad (which i felt helped keep up the vitamin intake) then battered Hake with fries and mayonaise. Then for dessert I had ice-cream, however Jess ordered ´seasonal fruit´ expecting a fruit salad or something, however when it arrived it was an orange on a plate! haha
At dinner we also met up with CJ (As Alex went out for a romatic meal with some spanish guy) and we also met a girl from South Africa called Julia, who is lovley and is currently walking it with her dad.
Ps. Belated Happy Anniversary to Mum and Dad! :D
Tuesday 11 June 2013
Larasonña To Cizur Menor
Today has been very very warm! We woke up this morning , quite rudley by other pilgrims at the allbergue who decided it was a good idea to turn on the lights at 5.30am! So we eventually got up which was a painful process in itself. We set off along the road with Alex (as CJ went the path route) which was good as it got up to pamplona quicker than the path would have. My feet are ridiculously sore now, and my knees very achy!
As we came into Pamplona Jess and company gave us a rendition of S Club 7 songs and a few Spice Girl numbers which was amusing as we decented steeply into the town before Pamplona. We also descovered lots of white fluffy cotten stuff flying around in the wind which made it appear to be snowing, we found eventually it was off a tree. When we came into Pamplona we made our way up to the Cathedral, where we got a stamp for our pilgrim passport and then went to get some food and a sit down. We found a cafe, which seems as though it was a Spanish Rock bar hahaha, and had a pizza between us. We then walked down and then up until we got to Cizur Menor, which is a sweet town and the albergue is lovley!
Comfy bunk beds and actual space for our things. Me and Jess however didnt find the ´nice´showers until after ours in one with a curtain which falls on your face and a light which turns itself off halfway through your shower! haha but it was appreciated none the less.
We arrived here at 2pm, so earlier than we expected so we are all now enjoying time OFF our feet! And we shall get some dinner and alot of sleep!
Talk soon! )next time I have internet ;p)
As we came into Pamplona Jess and company gave us a rendition of S Club 7 songs and a few Spice Girl numbers which was amusing as we decented steeply into the town before Pamplona. We also descovered lots of white fluffy cotten stuff flying around in the wind which made it appear to be snowing, we found eventually it was off a tree. When we came into Pamplona we made our way up to the Cathedral, where we got a stamp for our pilgrim passport and then went to get some food and a sit down. We found a cafe, which seems as though it was a Spanish Rock bar hahaha, and had a pizza between us. We then walked down and then up until we got to Cizur Menor, which is a sweet town and the albergue is lovley!
Comfy bunk beds and actual space for our things. Me and Jess however didnt find the ´nice´showers until after ours in one with a curtain which falls on your face and a light which turns itself off halfway through your shower! haha but it was appreciated none the less.
We arrived here at 2pm, so earlier than we expected so we are all now enjoying time OFF our feet! And we shall get some dinner and alot of sleep!
Talk soon! )next time I have internet ;p)
Roncevalles To Larasonña
Happy Birthday Grandma Margaret!
Today has been painful to say the least! We woke this morning at 6am to light rain (misty) and set off down the road. We came to the first sign saying ´Santiago 790´so we are definitley closer :P
Last night at the meal we were served a vegetable soup for starters, trout (whole :S) with chips and a dessert (which wasnt great), all with a bottle of wine and a bottle of water for €10. We (Me, Jess, CJ and Alex) were sat with two other pilgrims, one guy from Germany and the other from Lithuania.
On todays walk I ended up walking most of the 27.4km walk with CJ, one of the Americans we´d met yesterday. For me it didnt start off very well as I felt very ill, sick and nauseous so we took our time but eventually made it. At one point in the walk we had to take off our shoes and socks so we could cross a river/stream which was FREEZING! We continued up the path for 1 minute, after having put on all our socks and shoes back on, and another river appeared which was deeper and wider than the last - typical! As me and CJ fell behind Jess and Alex (my fault :( ) we came across some Spanish children (teenagers really) who spoke to CJ (who speaks very good spanish - thankfully) and she turned around and shouted at us ´British beats!´ and then persisted to play on loud Britney Spears Í´m not a girl, not yet a woman´. This was the surealist experience ever, we hung back a little as they walked ahead out of hearing distance. The weather improved alot since this morning and we had sun and blue sky towards the end. Eventually we arrived in Larasonña where our albergue is erm..... basic. There are 13 bunk beds in one room, which cost €6. We made our own tea tonight of spaghetti and sauce which cost a grand total of €3.50 for four of us!
I have now got 2 blisters on the bottom of my left foot which is rather irritating. Hey ho! Tomorrow we walk into Pamplona, but we have been advised to take the road route as the camino paths have been flooded. This is where i shall buy some more sandals! Woo!
Night xx
Today has been painful to say the least! We woke this morning at 6am to light rain (misty) and set off down the road. We came to the first sign saying ´Santiago 790´so we are definitley closer :P
Last night at the meal we were served a vegetable soup for starters, trout (whole :S) with chips and a dessert (which wasnt great), all with a bottle of wine and a bottle of water for €10. We (Me, Jess, CJ and Alex) were sat with two other pilgrims, one guy from Germany and the other from Lithuania.
On todays walk I ended up walking most of the 27.4km walk with CJ, one of the Americans we´d met yesterday. For me it didnt start off very well as I felt very ill, sick and nauseous so we took our time but eventually made it. At one point in the walk we had to take off our shoes and socks so we could cross a river/stream which was FREEZING! We continued up the path for 1 minute, after having put on all our socks and shoes back on, and another river appeared which was deeper and wider than the last - typical! As me and CJ fell behind Jess and Alex (my fault :( ) we came across some Spanish children (teenagers really) who spoke to CJ (who speaks very good spanish - thankfully) and she turned around and shouted at us ´British beats!´ and then persisted to play on loud Britney Spears Í´m not a girl, not yet a woman´. This was the surealist experience ever, we hung back a little as they walked ahead out of hearing distance. The weather improved alot since this morning and we had sun and blue sky towards the end. Eventually we arrived in Larasonña where our albergue is erm..... basic. There are 13 bunk beds in one room, which cost €6. We made our own tea tonight of spaghetti and sauce which cost a grand total of €3.50 for four of us!
I have now got 2 blisters on the bottom of my left foot which is rather irritating. Hey ho! Tomorrow we walk into Pamplona, but we have been advised to take the road route as the camino paths have been flooded. This is where i shall buy some more sandals! Woo!
Night xx
Sunday 9 June 2013
First Walk - St.Jean to Roncesvalles
Hello all,
Havnt had any phone signal or internet (until now obviously) so sorry for loss of contact (mum).
Today we woke at 6.30am after a very nice sleep at the Gite Ulteria! We had our breakfast on-the-go which consisted of apple, peach and a coissant. We then began our first walk on the Camino.
However we took a lower route (which i stupidly expected to be easier than the one which continues to the tops of the mountains) as we still had terrential rain!
The walk would have had amazing views if we hadnt have had this weather but it was enjoyable none the less. However I found this walk incredibly difficult as was constantly up and down following road sides and trails through woods. The distance was also quite long being 24km so I am now incredibly achy and very vey very damp.
Whilst on our walk we met up with two American girls named TJ and Alex (From somewhere near Washington). We walked with them for the majority of the walk. They were greatly helpful to me particularly as I struggled breathing and walking up hills (which by the way is not helped by a chest infection!). We then arrived at the Albergue which is lovley! Modern and comfortable and more importantly for us, had HOT showers and a pilgrim menu which we are going to have at 7pm tonight. Our room is like a pod of four bunkbeds so we are sharing with the two American girls.
Tomorrow should be easier as is not as up and down as today however the route is primarily downhill ( sore knees here we come). And I hope it isn´t raining as I have no warm clothes left!!
Certainly wont need rocking tonight!
Ciao
Havnt had any phone signal or internet (until now obviously) so sorry for loss of contact (mum).
Today we woke at 6.30am after a very nice sleep at the Gite Ulteria! We had our breakfast on-the-go which consisted of apple, peach and a coissant. We then began our first walk on the Camino.
However we took a lower route (which i stupidly expected to be easier than the one which continues to the tops of the mountains) as we still had terrential rain!
The walk would have had amazing views if we hadnt have had this weather but it was enjoyable none the less. However I found this walk incredibly difficult as was constantly up and down following road sides and trails through woods. The distance was also quite long being 24km so I am now incredibly achy and very vey very damp.
Whilst on our walk we met up with two American girls named TJ and Alex (From somewhere near Washington). We walked with them for the majority of the walk. They were greatly helpful to me particularly as I struggled breathing and walking up hills (which by the way is not helped by a chest infection!). We then arrived at the Albergue which is lovley! Modern and comfortable and more importantly for us, had HOT showers and a pilgrim menu which we are going to have at 7pm tonight. Our room is like a pod of four bunkbeds so we are sharing with the two American girls.
Tomorrow should be easier as is not as up and down as today however the route is primarily downhill ( sore knees here we come). And I hope it isn´t raining as I have no warm clothes left!!
Certainly wont need rocking tonight!
Ciao
The Plane Journey & Arrival At St.Jean
We left Stansted airport (London) and sunny England! (No sarcasm here - was actually sunny!) and arrived in a grey and rainy France (which in turn ended up with one of my sandles breaking). Going well I know!
On our travels to get to St.Jean Pied Du Port we met a lovley lady from Scotland called Lisa. We ended up travelling with her and then getting some tea with her. We looked around St. Jean first which is a very pretty small town with winding cobbled streets and historic houses with shutters to the sides, and of course the occasional Creperie. We went to a restraurant which served Itaian (I know tut tut but it was cheapest!) I had a Chicken one which also had honey and pineapple = YUM!
Myself and Jess then went straight back to the albergue (Gite Ulteria) and were both in bed for 8pm as we found ourselves sharing with a elderly Japanese man who was already asleep.
Big Day Ahead tomorrow .....
On our travels to get to St.Jean Pied Du Port we met a lovley lady from Scotland called Lisa. We ended up travelling with her and then getting some tea with her. We looked around St. Jean first which is a very pretty small town with winding cobbled streets and historic houses with shutters to the sides, and of course the occasional Creperie. We went to a restraurant which served Itaian (I know tut tut but it was cheapest!) I had a Chicken one which also had honey and pineapple = YUM!
Myself and Jess then went straight back to the albergue (Gite Ulteria) and were both in bed for 8pm as we found ourselves sharing with a elderly Japanese man who was already asleep.
Big Day Ahead tomorrow .....
Friday 7 June 2013
And so it begins...
Hey all,
Me and jess have arrived in London in one piece!
We began our journey with 1st class train journey but it went down hill from then on (using the tube and then an expensive train to the airport.
Both myself and jess are very nervous towards this huge adventure! For me, it's the stress of travelling combined with the expectation of the first day being immensely difficult! However I'm sure this will be fine once we have completed our first days walk on sunday :)
Not much else to say other than I shall write again once we have arrived at our first albergue, 'gite ulteria'.
I'd also like to thank jess's family for a bountiful breakfast this morning and for waving us off!
Speak soon ....
Me and jess have arrived in London in one piece!
We began our journey with 1st class train journey but it went down hill from then on (using the tube and then an expensive train to the airport.
Both myself and jess are very nervous towards this huge adventure! For me, it's the stress of travelling combined with the expectation of the first day being immensely difficult! However I'm sure this will be fine once we have completed our first days walk on sunday :)
Not much else to say other than I shall write again once we have arrived at our first albergue, 'gite ulteria'.
I'd also like to thank jess's family for a bountiful breakfast this morning and for waving us off!
Speak soon ....
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