i'm having a fantastic trip -- just loving every step of the camino. 11 mi yesterday (Roncesvalles to Zubiri), 13 mi today (Zubiri to Pamplona)-- no blisters or muscle strains, just very tired at the end of each day. the Spanish countryside is amazing -- so lush and green. many kinds of forests and open mountain vistas, quaint medieval buildings/hamlets everywhere, beautiful old stone bridges, also cows, sheep, horses, ducks, all kinds of birds (including this little red robin who actually sat right next to me for while while i was taking a break).
have met people from all over the world. the camino can be very social but you can also unplug & be alone & no one is offended if you just walk away, either on the trail or in the hostels. i spent most of today alone on the trail, only occasionally seeing other peregrinos. then i stopped for lunch at a random cafe and i knew half the people in there. it's a blast. kind of like a cruise in a way. everyone's in a great mood. there are lots of retired folks doing the camino - kinda blown away how fast & fit they are. i could barely keep up with an English couple i befriended - she's 70 and he's 80! they shared part of their lunch with me -- chocolate and some amazing cheese. people are so nice!
i brought my ipod because i thought i might get bored walking all day, but i haven't used it at all. just listening to nature is awesome.
the hostels are all very different. some very private & quiet, others noisy. So far they are super clean & all have had high quality mattresses (thank god - this is so important when we're putting our bodies through so much). Tonight i'm in one that has "pods" for beds so i can have the illusion i'm alone. delightful.
i'm sooooo glad i did this....
falling asleep typing this (it's 9:30pm) just wanted to fill u in & send a few pix. I LOVE SPAIN
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