Pamplona to Puerte del Reine - May 6, 2015

OK, back to business. This started out OK but eventually became the worst  day so far, mostly due to poor choices made by yours truly. It was also the longest day so far as I write this from May 10 (sorry I am so far behind) at 10.5 hours, 9.5 of which walking and 33 km logged on my Map My Walk app. :(

     Starting out, walking through the city of Pamplona, it was very pleasant. My first stop was the Universidad (de Pamplona, I assume), a short detour to get a sello (stamp) which of course I am collecting along the way. First of many detours, some intentional and some not, that contributed to my exhausting day. Then an 8.5 km walk, the last 2.4 very steep, to Alto de Perdon (the Height of Forgiveness, Google's best translation). Many of you will recognize the metal sculptures of pilgrims through the ages if you have read about the Camino (or seen the movie "The Way") Then a very steep descent on small, rolling stones (yay walking sticks, again) to Uterga.

  Then a bad decision for the end of the day for a very out of shape peregrina (that's me). It was an extra 3.2 km to go to Eunate to a 12th century Romanesque church. It is octagonal and modelled on the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and is associated with the Knights Templar. It was very lovely and I happened to be there between groups of travellers so had it to myself for a few minutes...recorded Gregorian chant, very peaceful..However, now 5pm and still not close to Puente la Reine, my destination. And very tired at 28 km so far. Shortly after, I got lost and then my pace slowed to about 1km per hour. Really thought I was going to fall down in the street (yay sticks! again) Found the hotel, worst so far, at 7pm. No one to check me in, just harried waitresses running around. Finally in, after tearful breakdown (from exhaustion), then hobbled down to dinner.. really bad, didn't care.

Evening (and day) saved by generous cognac (at least 3 oz for 3.5 euros)and bed.

Grounds of the university

The landscape is so beautiful, everywhere

Alto de Perdon

Detail from Alto de Perdon, picked it because of the dog :)

Me as tour guide for Alto de Perdon..used my selfie stick

Other famous part of the Alto, the windmills

Church at Eunate

Detail of pillars, church built in the 1100's

The altar

My horrible room in a horrible hotel at the end of an exhausting day.

Yes, I am standing in the hallway to take this picture of the desk that mostly blocks the entrance to the miniscule bathroom. Couldn't wait to get out of here the next day. Had breakfast on the road.