Have you ever wondered if creaky joints really can be affected by the weather? Well, when I woke up the morning after the cold, windy, wet, miserable weather, my joints were complaining loudly. And that after a relatively short walk the day before, and a very comfortable and supportive mattress in the albergue. But there … More Last walking day to Burgos
It was a miserable day. Seems I got my grump on a day early – what I wouldn’t give to have that last morning back! It was a full pilgrim hat-trick: wet, windy and cold. And grey. And just miserable. But the way won’t walk itself, and everybody else is having the same miserable weather, … More Cold, wet stop-start to Agés
I’d agreed to meet some pilgrims for breakfast in the same place to continue the conversation in the morning, but when I got there, it was closed! I went to the nearest place instead and there they were – and there were also pintxos to be had, so that’s what I had for breakfast. Turns … More Found and lost in Belorado
I suppose I should have known this day was going to be different. First sign was when I was passed on the looong flaaat boooring path by – wait for it – a man on a segway! Yes – a segway! No handle, just a wheel with a platform for your feet on each side. … More Change of plan in Santo Domingo
Ah, waking up in an albergue with lots of people all trying to get ready at the same time – it is something else. And this time I knew none of them … and instead of barging in I took my time – I was in no hurry. By the time I was good to … More Good times in Azofra
I have walked on my own before, but I have never walked in a group and then left them behind before. It was odd to stand there with my shoes and pack, poles in hand and caffeine deprived, and say goodbye to my new gang who were going home later that day. But leave I … More Going solo to Ventosa
For the group’s last walking day we were taking on the 28.5 kms from Los Arcos to Logroño. I must admit I don’t plan for 25+ km days normally, as I know the plantar fasciitis and/or the osteoarthritis could make the last part of the day very uncomfortable. However this time I was just tagging … More The long walk to Logroño
Maybe it’s because I am fond of Estella, or maybe it’s just the gorgeous rolling landscape with the Villamayor church peeking up, but I really do enjoy the walk to Villamayor de Monjardin and even on to Los Arcos. For one thing you get to walk past the wine fountain (a dollop of expectation management … More Through the fields to Los Arcos
After a fantastic breakfast spread at Jakue, we stepped into a glorious day. This is the bridge that gives Puente la Reina its name, built for or by a queen and certainly worthy of one. There are always more people photographing it than walking across it at any given time, but sooner or later you … More Back to Estella
Two pilgrims entered Pamplona, and eight left just as it was getting light. A group is not a homogenous mass; it is a unit far greater than the sum of its parts, some fast, some slow, some in it for the time spent walking and some for the joy of getting there and relaxing with … More Group walk to Puente la Reina
Somewhere Slowly 