Well, I am now in Estella, about two days walk from Pamplona. It is a beautiful small city and the original village was founded in 1092. It has a current population of about 15,000 people. I have to admit that arriving in Estella was a challenge. I woke up in the morning in a good mood, but as yet another steep "hill" loomed in front of me, that mood deteriorated. However, after a stop in Cirauqui to refuel, my mood lifted and I made it here. There were times throughout the day I just wanted to throw in the towel, head up to Scotland and then home to my apartment, comfy bed and routine day.
After arriving at the albergue, I collapsed onto my bunk for about 30 minutes, took a shower and then ventured out to find something to eat. On my way, I came across the Red Cross and decided to stop in to have some toes looked at. They weren't looking all that good. Thank you for Red Cross!! The nurse was wonderful and I got some much needed personal care. I almost cried! Not only did she fix up my toes, but she also massaged my feet, ankles and legs. A sigh of relieve escaped my lips and I was able to face the rest of the evening and had the best sleep in 6 days!
That said, I have decided to have a one day rest in Estella. My knees are feeling the ups and downs of the walk and I have to go back to the Red Cross today to have the toes looked at. I spent my morning from 7am on in the town square watching and listening to the sounds of the town coming alive slowly. Everything in Spain takes its time. I enjoyed a cup of coffee and a pan chocolate. This afternoon, I will rest in the back garden of the albergue and perhaps take in some of the sites of this town. I am told there is a gorgeous church called San Miguel.
This rest has also afforded me some time to reflect. I really wanted this trip to be about slowing down. I realized that if anything, I have been caught up in the "race" of the Camino. I have been rushing through the last 6 days with only Santiago in mind and needing to walk the designated amount of kilometres. I feel I have not taken in what is around me, have felt I could not take it in, and have exhausted myself to the point of not enjoying it. So, I have decided to slow down. I have about 3 and half weeks left and will end up where I end up. If that is in Santiago, then so be it. If not, then so be it. I don't want to be in the same frame of mind and going the same pace I do for 10 months of the year. That would defeat the purpose of this trip.
Anyway, all is well otherwise. I am going to make my way to the Red Cross and then do some laundry at the albergue. I think there may even be a nap in store for today. Some of the ambitious pilgrims were up at 4am this morning to be on the road early!
Hasta luego,
Tammy
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Hey Tammy, What a great trip so far. I understand how you feel, it is easy to get caught up in the fast pace of others, slow down, enjoy the walk. Come back rested, restored with the feeling that you achieved what you set out to achieve. Besides, later on in the walk, you may find those keen pilgrims not so keen after pushing themselves early in the walk and you may pass them by. Remember the tortoise and the hare, who won the race? Also, keep those toes looked after!!! I look forward to your posts, take care. Marion
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy I chose to only read one posting at a time, so I am pleased to read you have taken time to reflect and slow your pace down. I am sure with doing so you wil enjoy this walk that much more.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you are taking care of those toes, just ask Jenneke how iportant those toes are a great toy for her at least.
You also mentioned during on of our calls that you are not stpping enough to replentish yourself, not a good idea make sure your are eating and drinking enough. without that we all know what syands before us gets to be a bigger burden so eat and drink and not just wine.
Things are good here . You probably are having nicer weather then we are, it has been wet and cold only 6 degrees overnight here tonight.
off to Sahwn's again tomorrow , will get the kids on the blog to post you their news
Have a wonderful day off today or I guess by know night, enjoy whatever you chose to do tomorrow and relish and enjoy the country, looking forward to pictures when you find a place to post then.
Take Care
Love Mom
God, I admire you so much. (and I mean that in a very unpatronising way, really...)
ReplyDeleteTake care of your feet please. Go sit in the church and take in some peace. Spain will wait for you and I'm waiting here in Scotland for you.
hugs and love
g
Hey, Tammy, glad to hear things are basically going well. you need to make sure that you take care of yourself though, no point in coming home in pain. This trip is supposed to rejuvinate you, not wipe you out.
ReplyDeleteThings are good here, first week on the new job was good, nothing stressful so far but i am sure it will come. They have shown our house a few times but no bites yet, that too will come.
Anyway, we wish you all the best. Take care of yourself and enjoy the sites. i am sure that there are lots to see and you would regret not taking the time to enjoy them while you are there.
Shawn, Shelly, Colin, Kaiya and Alexa
Hello Everyone,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support and the comments. Things have been going better since I took a day of rest in Estella. I am now in Logrono. I will update the blog soon. I just have to find the time when there isn't a huge line of people behind me wanting to get onto the Internet. How we can disconnect for the day and then need to 'reconnect' when we reach our destination. All is going well. It was a long day today, but I am in good spirits. Talk to you all soon.
Love,
Tammy
Hi Tammy
ReplyDeleteAndy and I are off for a few days, our first canoe trip alone in 17 years. Actually the kids can't wait until we leave tomorrow morning. I am relieved to hear that things are going better for you, I hope you have a chance to update the blog and I will read it when we return. Thinking of you. Marion