Tuesday, April 30, 2013
30 April Estella to Torres del Rio 30km day
Just when you think you might have a bad day the weather changes and life is not all bad. We departed Estella in a light rain but by the time we were 2 miles up the way the rain had stopped and we had a very enjoyable day of walking to Torres del Rio. The first photo is Torres where we are spending the night. The country side continues to grow with crops, vineyards and the occasional farm animals. It was a day spent walking and not much talking. The views were exceptional. We stopped for lunch in Los Arcos for pizza and pastry. After an hour we continued our march to Torres del Rio.
I might explain the daily routine. We arrive to an Albergue around 3 PM. Shower, do laundry, clean our boots and packs , work on blisters and wounds and have dinner around 7PM. The next morning we up by 6 AM and normally on the walk by 7AM. Sometimes we do breakfast at the Albergue or we stop on the trail at a local cafe. It is a constant mission of unpacking and packing everyday. Using dry bags, see photo below, makes life much easier in that everything has a home and after a few days you know where everything is in your pack. Being organized is an important element.
My thought of the day is ""you need to give but you need not expect to receive"..
Tomorrow we are off to Logrono.
I might explain the daily routine. We arrive to an Albergue around 3 PM. Shower, do laundry, clean our boots and packs , work on blisters and wounds and have dinner around 7PM. The next morning we up by 6 AM and normally on the walk by 7AM. Sometimes we do breakfast at the Albergue or we stop on the trail at a local cafe. It is a constant mission of unpacking and packing everyday. Using dry bags, see photo below, makes life much easier in that everything has a home and after a few days you know where everything is in your pack. Being organized is an important element.
My thought of the day is ""you need to give but you need not expect to receive"..
Tomorrow we are off to Logrono.
Monday, April 29, 2013
29 April Puente La Reina to Estella
The winds at 2 AM told me that todays walk was not going to be enjoyable. We had our 7 AM breakfast of coffee and bread rolls and started the 1 mile climb to the village of Maneru. The wind was a head wind blowing between 15 and 20 Knots with gust that tried to blow you off the trail. A slow day, the ability to enjoy the valley and mountain views was difficult. The region that we were passing through is the start of the Rijo wine country, numerous grape vines border the Camino. In this region also are Roman ruins from the time of Christ. Bridges, cobble stone paths and some very degraded shelters. The cobble stone paths are very difficult to walk on and can be a cause for foot or ankle injuries.
Today Jerry from Colorado Desire, Bill, Abby and Sister Denise walked with me as we crawled up the trail to Estella. Sister Denise is a Franciscan nun from Ireland. I took the opportunity to tell her about my students at St Mary's and if she had a thought for the day that she would like to share. She smiled and said, I have all ready realized after just six days of being a Pilgrim that "less is better than more". She explained that in todays world to many people fail to realize what a beautiful planet God created and do not do walks or hikes or adventures to discover this gift.
So what I would like the team to do is discuss amongst yourselves what Sister Denise meant when she said "Less is better than more".
The villages that we walked through are small and lived in by farmers and merchants. The one thing that you find is that each has a very large Cathedral in the city square. The stone houses and yards are very well maintained.
Tomorrow we walk to Los Arcos a village with a population of 1,300 people. We are starting to take casualties among the Pilgrims due to blisters, sore backs, sore shoulders, and a few twisted ankles. The weather forecast is for rain, wind and mud... the life of a Pilgrim is not easy.
Today Jerry from Colorado Desire, Bill, Abby and Sister Denise walked with me as we crawled up the trail to Estella. Sister Denise is a Franciscan nun from Ireland. I took the opportunity to tell her about my students at St Mary's and if she had a thought for the day that she would like to share. She smiled and said, I have all ready realized after just six days of being a Pilgrim that "less is better than more". She explained that in todays world to many people fail to realize what a beautiful planet God created and do not do walks or hikes or adventures to discover this gift.
So what I would like the team to do is discuss amongst yourselves what Sister Denise meant when she said "Less is better than more".
The villages that we walked through are small and lived in by farmers and merchants. The one thing that you find is that each has a very large Cathedral in the city square. The stone houses and yards are very well maintained.
Tomorrow we walk to Los Arcos a village with a population of 1,300 people. We are starting to take casualties among the Pilgrims due to blisters, sore backs, sore shoulders, and a few twisted ankles. The weather forecast is for rain, wind and mud... the life of a Pilgrim is not easy.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
28 April Cizur Menor to Puente La Reina
The weather forecast called for rain and possible snow showers. I did not have good thoughts when I went to bed last night thinking about climbing the 300 meters (over 950 feet) straight up to the Alto del Perdon in rain and wind. St James must have been listening to my thoughts as the clouds disappeared and the moon shined as we awaken at 6 AM to begin our days journey.
We hurried around and departed Cizur Menor by 7 AM and headed towards the monumento peregrino with a purpose in our step, beat the rain. The climb was somewhere between comfortable and painful but the top was always insight. We stopped several times to look at the valley below to take in the beauty of the moment. The closer we stepped towards the top the harder the wind blew and the colder the air felt on your aching legs. The effort was rewarded when we made the crest of the mountain and was able to see the valley's below. Magnificent is all I can say. I guess that is not true, it was very cold and windy on top, after a few kodak moments we headed down the other side to Uterga to look for a hot cup of coffee and some nourishment.
My walking partners today were Mick Young from Australia, Desire Clark from South Africa and Abby Betherd from Quebec , Canada. Mick is retired Navy, Desire is business school teacher and wife of Doctor Clark and Abby does financial services and unwed mother counseling. They all are excellent walkers so this old man had to try and keep up. We made Eunate Church in time for Mass. This 12th century church was simple but elegant. The Eunate was also a burial place for Pilgrims who succumbed to the grueling physical hardships along the route.
The yellow fields of canola and winter wheat have turned the early spring country side in to a very colorful painting. I would like to see the area in two months when all the crops are in full bloom.
I asked Abby for the thought of the day for my 5th grade team. She said she would have to think about that request. Some ten miles later she joined me and said I have my thought. Abby is a cancer survivor. When she was 14 years old she had a tumor on her right jaw bone. They had to use her femur to replace the bone, consequently her right leg is shorter than her left. The entire treatment was successful. She graduated from college two years ago, with no jobs available she had to move back home with her mother and father. She said it was one of the most difficult moves of her life. She had to give up her dog and privacy as a young adult. One year after moving home her father suddenly passed away, he was 52, sudden stroke. At the same time she was offered her current job. She now feels fortunate that she got to spend the year with her father. Her message to the class is that you have to understand that "you do not always get what you want "..but with faith and hard work you will have a good life. Abby is walking the Camino with her mother.
Tomorrow we are off to Estella. Less hills to climb.... Total distance completed 95km. /696km to Santiago
We hurried around and departed Cizur Menor by 7 AM and headed towards the monumento peregrino with a purpose in our step, beat the rain. The climb was somewhere between comfortable and painful but the top was always insight. We stopped several times to look at the valley below to take in the beauty of the moment. The closer we stepped towards the top the harder the wind blew and the colder the air felt on your aching legs. The effort was rewarded when we made the crest of the mountain and was able to see the valley's below. Magnificent is all I can say. I guess that is not true, it was very cold and windy on top, after a few kodak moments we headed down the other side to Uterga to look for a hot cup of coffee and some nourishment.
My walking partners today were Mick Young from Australia, Desire Clark from South Africa and Abby Betherd from Quebec , Canada. Mick is retired Navy, Desire is business school teacher and wife of Doctor Clark and Abby does financial services and unwed mother counseling. They all are excellent walkers so this old man had to try and keep up. We made Eunate Church in time for Mass. This 12th century church was simple but elegant. The Eunate was also a burial place for Pilgrims who succumbed to the grueling physical hardships along the route.
The yellow fields of canola and winter wheat have turned the early spring country side in to a very colorful painting. I would like to see the area in two months when all the crops are in full bloom.
I asked Abby for the thought of the day for my 5th grade team. She said she would have to think about that request. Some ten miles later she joined me and said I have my thought. Abby is a cancer survivor. When she was 14 years old she had a tumor on her right jaw bone. They had to use her femur to replace the bone, consequently her right leg is shorter than her left. The entire treatment was successful. She graduated from college two years ago, with no jobs available she had to move back home with her mother and father. She said it was one of the most difficult moves of her life. She had to give up her dog and privacy as a young adult. One year after moving home her father suddenly passed away, he was 52, sudden stroke. At the same time she was offered her current job. She now feels fortunate that she got to spend the year with her father. Her message to the class is that you have to understand that "you do not always get what you want "..but with faith and hard work you will have a good life. Abby is walking the Camino with her mother.
Tomorrow we are off to Estella. Less hills to climb.... Total distance completed 95km. /696km to Santiago
A Thank you to my outfitters 28 April
I would like to pay special thanks to the people who helped me get ready for the Camino...
My most important rain pants and top from Helly Hansen
EMS for the discounts on dry bags, wool tops, sleeping top and whatever else I could find.
Zappo for my Sure Wool socks.
My shoes from the Mids store.
My pack from osprey.
My camera from Dick Neville.
My climbing poles from son Todd.
My electronics from Sara LLC.
The encouragement to do this journey from my wife Martha, my good friend Bob Walsh and all of my other friends who said they wish they were with me.
To Sara, who encourage me every morning to get up and get on the streets and Naval Academy. We walked over 2000 miles together in training. She faithfully awaits my return.
To the 5th grade class at St Mary's for inspiring me to report back on my journey.
To Bob and Verna for giving me my official scallop shell that represents a Pilgrim.
Most importantly to God who must of known that I needed this journey for my life and health.
Thank you all, Pilgrim Nick
My most important rain pants and top from Helly Hansen
EMS for the discounts on dry bags, wool tops, sleeping top and whatever else I could find.
Zappo for my Sure Wool socks.
My shoes from the Mids store.
My pack from osprey.
My camera from Dick Neville.
My climbing poles from son Todd.
My electronics from Sara LLC.
The encouragement to do this journey from my wife Martha, my good friend Bob Walsh and all of my other friends who said they wish they were with me.
To Sara, who encourage me every morning to get up and get on the streets and Naval Academy. We walked over 2000 miles together in training. She faithfully awaits my return.
To the 5th grade class at St Mary's for inspiring me to report back on my journey.
To Bob and Verna for giving me my official scallop shell that represents a Pilgrim.
Most importantly to God who must of known that I needed this journey for my life and health.
Thank you all, Pilgrim Nick
Saturday, April 27, 2013
27 April Larrasoana to Cizur Menor
I was awaken around 2:30 AM by the rain pounding on the roof of our Albergue. Between the rain and the snoring I knew it was going to be a long day. We departed Larrasoana at 0730 in a light rain storm and headed towards our next stops, Pamplona and then Cizur Menor. The distance was about 15 miles but the muddy step trail rapidly slowed the pace. I walked most of the day with Jennifer Hubert from Florida. A mother of two and an artist who makes jewelry as a hobby, she had planning this walk for some three years. Jennifer was the provider for the thought of the day for the 5th grade team. She shared with me how in the 5th grade she shuffled her feet and mumbled when she spoke. Her 5th grade gym teacher told her to take steps and to speak with clarity when she spoke. She said she has never forgotten that life experience and how it changed her. So, if you have trouble walking and speaking you should take proper steps and speak with clarity as Jennifer did .. it certainly changed her life.
The walk was very difficult at times. We had snow for 15 to 20 minutes, wind most of the way and very muddy trails. Several Pigrims fell, no one was hurt though. The reward was entering Pamplona and touring the old city where each year the running of bulls on Compania in July is a major event. I visited the Pamplona Cathedral with Desire from South Africa, Kate a British Army Master Sergeant and my walking partner from Annapolis Bill Kennerly. A beautiful Church, built around 1535. The old city is a place you should tour if in this region.
We departed Pamplona for the short walk to Cizur Menor, 4 miles, to be greeted by winds and rain. St James was making sure we paid our dues today. I am having internet connection problems but hopefully I will get the last three published in the next couple of days.
The journey continues tomorrow, we will climb the Hill of Forgiveness, Alto del Perdon, and continue to Puente La Reina, 21 mile walk. The weather does not look good for the next five days, rain, wind and mud. We move on.
The walk was very difficult at times. We had snow for 15 to 20 minutes, wind most of the way and very muddy trails. Several Pigrims fell, no one was hurt though. The reward was entering Pamplona and touring the old city where each year the running of bulls on Compania in July is a major event. I visited the Pamplona Cathedral with Desire from South Africa, Kate a British Army Master Sergeant and my walking partner from Annapolis Bill Kennerly. A beautiful Church, built around 1535. The old city is a place you should tour if in this region.
We departed Pamplona for the short walk to Cizur Menor, 4 miles, to be greeted by winds and rain. St James was making sure we paid our dues today. I am having internet connection problems but hopefully I will get the last three published in the next couple of days.
The journey continues tomorrow, we will climb the Hill of Forgiveness, Alto del Perdon, and continue to Puente La Reina, 21 mile walk. The weather does not look good for the next five days, rain, wind and mud. We move on.
25-26 April Orisson to Roncesvalles to Larrasona 46km or about 30 miles
In 1805-1810 Napoleon sent his Army to to Spain over the route taken for the past two days. This route is a steady climb over 4000 feet for 32km or about 22miles. The common comment on this journey was "is this the last climb"? Typical whether conditions are fog, light rain, or wind. The days we traveled the weather was perfect. We could see for miles the valleys and lush farm land of France and Spain. It was two days of tired legs and very few rest stops just to make it to Larrasona. These two days are considered the most difficult of the entire walk, St James was good to us we had perfect weather. I might point out it was snowing on top of the mountain today, 27 April as we walk to Cizur Menor.
I had the pleasure of meeting new Pilgrims as we walked, one couple from Wisconsin , Julia and Harvey, walk with me for most of the distance and we solved only a few of the world problems but in reality we just enjoyed the views , the animals along the way and chit chat about why we were all here walking 500 miles. I told them about my 5th grade team and Julia came up with the thought of the day ... each of you need to learn a second language sooner than later.
We are walking with people from Ireland, South Africa, Australia,France, Spain, Belgium, USA, England, New Zealand, Canada and Italy. The common language spoken was French, Spanish and English. As the world grows closer we all agreed it was a good idea for US students to become fluent in some language.
Once we were in Larrasona we looked forward to the journey to Pamplona ending in Cizur Menor.
St James was giving us penance at the end the day as rain began falling and the forecast is for six days of rain and wind.
Oh yes sleeping with your closes 36 friends in an Albergue is an interesting experience, snooring, coughing and night walking makes sleep a little hard.
I had the pleasure of meeting new Pilgrims as we walked, one couple from Wisconsin , Julia and Harvey, walk with me for most of the distance and we solved only a few of the world problems but in reality we just enjoyed the views , the animals along the way and chit chat about why we were all here walking 500 miles. I told them about my 5th grade team and Julia came up with the thought of the day ... each of you need to learn a second language sooner than later.
We are walking with people from Ireland, South Africa, Australia,France, Spain, Belgium, USA, England, New Zealand, Canada and Italy. The common language spoken was French, Spanish and English. As the world grows closer we all agreed it was a good idea for US students to become fluent in some language.
Once we were in Larrasona we looked forward to the journey to Pamplona ending in Cizur Menor.
St James was giving us penance at the end the day as rain began falling and the forecast is for six days of rain and wind.
Oh yes sleeping with your closes 36 friends in an Albergue is an interesting experience, snooring, coughing and night walking makes sleep a little hard.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
24 April 2013 We begin the Camino
The Pilgrims were out in numbers early this morning in St Jean. Our first surprise of the day was that we did not have any bath towels in our room. I checked the front office to find that no one showed up to work until 0830. We did fine since we had our own towels in our pack. Loaded up our packs and walked downtown to get a bite to eat and start our walk to Orisson. Not a long walk in distance, 10KM, but it just happens to be the steepest part of the entire walk. Something like walking for three hours at the gym on a step machine.
We said our good byes to St Jean, asked St James to bless our journey and proceeded towards the Pyrenees Mountains. St James is with us, our day has been perfect, sun, views, time to think, and of course other Pilgrims to chat with.
The first pilgrims we walked with were from Germany. I asked their names, the young ladies name was Ella, it just happens my grandmothers name was Ella. I said my name was Nick and the young man said that is my fathers name. Interesting. We caught up with two Canadian Girls and one Irish lady from County Cork, Veronica. I asked her if she knew any O'conners or Aherns in Klamath County , Oregon where I grew up. She said she did. Interesting. We must of passed 25 people walking up the trail. One very large gentleman from Reston , Va, we now call him the Virginian, he was not only very over weight but carrying about 50 pounds on his back. He certainly needs to work on his physical health. Not good , but I can report he made it to Orisson.
Again, the views and country side were beautiful. I am glad I shed a few pounds myself or I would have been in the back of the pack with the Virginian. I tried to visualize how Napoleon and Charlemagne could have possibly fought wars in this area. How Pilgrims in the 10th century navigated the steep grades not knowing totally the direction. I thought about how my relatives followed the Oregon Trail, Pilgrims all. My few steps today was nothing compared to previous pilgrims.
We have our room here at Orisson Reguge for the night. Bill and I did some laundry. Tomorrow we will be out of the Pyrenees. My new friend Jean-Jacques the owner of Orisson welcomes all.
My thought for my 5th grade team is to think about how over all the centuries we have had Pilgrims ... can you discuss with each other what a Pilgrim will be in this century. Will they be the same as today? Will there be a new pilgrimage?
Spain tomorrow. France au revior
We said our good byes to St Jean, asked St James to bless our journey and proceeded towards the Pyrenees Mountains. St James is with us, our day has been perfect, sun, views, time to think, and of course other Pilgrims to chat with.
The first pilgrims we walked with were from Germany. I asked their names, the young ladies name was Ella, it just happens my grandmothers name was Ella. I said my name was Nick and the young man said that is my fathers name. Interesting. We caught up with two Canadian Girls and one Irish lady from County Cork, Veronica. I asked her if she knew any O'conners or Aherns in Klamath County , Oregon where I grew up. She said she did. Interesting. We must of passed 25 people walking up the trail. One very large gentleman from Reston , Va, we now call him the Virginian, he was not only very over weight but carrying about 50 pounds on his back. He certainly needs to work on his physical health. Not good , but I can report he made it to Orisson.
Again, the views and country side were beautiful. I am glad I shed a few pounds myself or I would have been in the back of the pack with the Virginian. I tried to visualize how Napoleon and Charlemagne could have possibly fought wars in this area. How Pilgrims in the 10th century navigated the steep grades not knowing totally the direction. I thought about how my relatives followed the Oregon Trail, Pilgrims all. My few steps today was nothing compared to previous pilgrims.
We have our room here at Orisson Reguge for the night. Bill and I did some laundry. Tomorrow we will be out of the Pyrenees. My new friend Jean-Jacques the owner of Orisson welcomes all.
My thought for my 5th grade team is to think about how over all the centuries we have had Pilgrims ... can you discuss with each other what a Pilgrim will be in this century. Will they be the same as today? Will there be a new pilgrimage?
Spain tomorrow. France au revior
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)