Time Departed: 8.40am
Time Arrived: 3.15pm
Distance: 25kms
Cumulative Distance: 93kms
Percentage: 11.5%
Weather: Cloudy and cool at first, sunny very hot in the afternoon
Accommodation: Hotel Bidean
Feelings: Henk - OK, Neil - Mindful, Di - Concerned
It was another tough day in the afternoon as the sun and heat are sap our energy. We made good overall time for the day and we started off well in the cool. There was a mainly gentle climb to the highest point, Alto de Perdon at 12kms from Pamplona and 800 metres high. My feelings of concern were about my feet and after a couple of kilometres my concern dissipated as the Compede and the silicon foot pads worked a treat. Henk's silicon inserts also worked well.
We passed through many small villages with very few people around after noon. They aren't silly! At Alto de Perdon there is a large wind farm which we walked close to and which we could see way in the distance when we started walking from Pamplona. The highlight of our day was the large sculpture at the peak erected by an electricity company and dedicated to the Peregrinos (pilgrims).
There were many having their photos taken including us. It is cut out of sheet metal with an inscription in Spanish saying, 'where the way of the wind crosses that of the stars'. We had wonderful 360 degree views of the Spanish countryside below us.
The walk down from Alto de Perdon was steep with loose stones and it was about then at noon that we started to feel the heat. It became relentless as the sun beat down on us and the glare from the track came from underneath. We continue to pass shrines along the way.
We had lunch at a a small village with an oasis of a very green, lush park. We soaked up the shade for about half an hour before undertaking the last seven kms. At our breaks we see more and more walkers tending to their feet. Some are taking it very slowly and must be in considerable pain.
Near the end of the walk I started to develop a painful "tired" leg and so did Henk. We are not sure what is causing it and as we haven't had it before it may be due to the heat and dehydration. When we arrived at the hotel (this had been changed by our travel company overnight) we were exhausted. Our red faces and wet clothes said everything. Our hotel is part of a restaurant, cafe and bar so we had to wait for a few other patrons to get served before we could get our room. I became agitated due to overheating but tried to hold it in! Once we were served it was very efficient.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent showering, washing and recuperating. I've the most amazing heat rash on my legs but it isn't itchy. Neil (Superman!) however, spent 40 mins walking around the town but came in as the heat was still too much to bear. We met at our hotel's bar at six and had a drink before heading out. It was still very warm when we visited the the Church of Santiago (St James) which was built from the twelfth century and was extremely ornate inside.
Near the end of the walk I started to develop a painful "tired" leg and so did Henk. We are not sure what is causing it and as we haven't had it before it may be due to the heat and dehydration. When we arrived at the hotel (this had been changed by our travel company overnight) we were exhausted. Our red faces and wet clothes said everything. Our hotel is part of a restaurant, cafe and bar so we had to wait for a few other patrons to get served before we could get our room. I became agitated due to overheating but tried to hold it in! Once we were served it was very efficient.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent showering, washing and recuperating. I've the most amazing heat rash on my legs but it isn't itchy. Neil (Superman!) however, spent 40 mins walking around the town but came in as the heat was still too much to bear. We met at our hotel's bar at six and had a drink before heading out. It was still very warm when we visited the the Church of Santiago (St James) which was built from the twelfth century and was extremely ornate inside.
We had dinner, Menu Peregrino (Pilgrims Menu) at our hotel as we didn't want to eat outside at one of the cafes due to the heat. It was interesting listening to other walkers talk about their day and all are in agreement that the heat was too much.
Let's hope for a cooler day tomorrow.
Am surprised how far north you are, Di and Henk. We posed with these pilgrims on our "pampered pilgrimage" by train. Maybe it was that we ventured further south than I realised on the day trips. It surely is beautiful country. Hope the aches and pains pass soon.
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