Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday Funday
Well... There are a number of things to talk about today.
First off, my sleep last night was crap. Mostly because of the symphony of snoring happening in the room. Literally. I am NOT exaggerating. I heard it in 4 part harmony. Thank goodness today was a new day.
I arrived at the 24 km goal to find the Casa Rural full, and the municipal Alburgue really unacceptable. I walked another (almost) 4 Km's to the next town, and have been having a wonderful evening. Fortunately the 4 snorers are in the floor below and my room is filled with friends so it should be a lovely night.
Our host tonight at the Albuerge where we are having dinner is a serious joker. He keeps asking of people (who are not staying here) want to taste his food and then brings out ridiculously small portions. He's fantastic.
It was a tough day for me today, 28km's after something that put me off for the start of the day, but I took my frustrations out on the mountains today, which incidentally I am counting on to result in a much more shapely backside by the time I get home!
Some beautiful sights today, which will be in the post that follows. I remain grateful for inexpensive, amazing wine, a sense of accomplishment, and new friends.
Thanks for following along North America.
First off, my sleep last night was crap. Mostly because of the symphony of snoring happening in the room. Literally. I am NOT exaggerating. I heard it in 4 part harmony. Thank goodness today was a new day.
I arrived at the 24 km goal to find the Casa Rural full, and the municipal Alburgue really unacceptable. I walked another (almost) 4 Km's to the next town, and have been having a wonderful evening. Fortunately the 4 snorers are in the floor below and my room is filled with friends so it should be a lovely night.
Our host tonight at the Albuerge where we are having dinner is a serious joker. He keeps asking of people (who are not staying here) want to taste his food and then brings out ridiculously small portions. He's fantastic.
It was a tough day for me today, 28km's after something that put me off for the start of the day, but I took my frustrations out on the mountains today, which incidentally I am counting on to result in a much more shapely backside by the time I get home!
Some beautiful sights today, which will be in the post that follows. I remain grateful for inexpensive, amazing wine, a sense of accomplishment, and new friends.
Thanks for following along North America.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Beautiful Scottish Weather
Yep, well it was an interesting day to say the least. Walked today with the lovely group I had dinner with last night. We had lunch together too. Mainly from France, they are given me great opportunity to practice my French. I am grateful for this.
Didn't get a great sleep last night. Despite the Alburgue being really quite awesome, the beds in the room I was in squeaked like the world was ending. All. Night. Long. Seriously a pain. Anyway, put in another 23 Km's today and was really feeling quite good. I took more frequent breaks today, and alongside a cool (and often wet) weather situation, it really seemed to make a difference.
I found a second wind today after lunch. The towns were closer together today as well, and the natural impetus to stop was a help.
Having broken the 250km threshold, Burgos is only 2 days away. I think that may be the spot for my next day off. Feet are holding up well.
Tomorrow has quite miserable weather in the forecast. Combined with a 400 metre increase in height it could prove to be a challenging day. I am going to leave with pants on, and head out into the abyss regardless of the weather. It will be interesting to see how long I last in it.
Send your best wishes for short bursts of rain. And continued cool-ish temps! Continuing to make new friends, and enjoying the challenges.
Didn't get a great sleep last night. Despite the Alburgue being really quite awesome, the beds in the room I was in squeaked like the world was ending. All. Night. Long. Seriously a pain. Anyway, put in another 23 Km's today and was really feeling quite good. I took more frequent breaks today, and alongside a cool (and often wet) weather situation, it really seemed to make a difference.
I found a second wind today after lunch. The towns were closer together today as well, and the natural impetus to stop was a help.
Having broken the 250km threshold, Burgos is only 2 days away. I think that may be the spot for my next day off. Feet are holding up well.
Tomorrow has quite miserable weather in the forecast. Combined with a 400 metre increase in height it could prove to be a challenging day. I am going to leave with pants on, and head out into the abyss regardless of the weather. It will be interesting to see how long I last in it.
Send your best wishes for short bursts of rain. And continued cool-ish temps! Continuing to make new friends, and enjoying the challenges.
Friday, September 27, 2013
30. F'ing. Kilometres.
Yeah. I hurt. It's true.
I aimed for 23 or 24. Ciruena is a nowhere town I discovered when I got there. The door to the Albuerge was locked when I was there. The one that was open was down a deserted street. I mean deserted. Like as in 'walking dead' deserted. The option was to press on. Here I am.
The place I stayed last night was indeed lovely and I enjoyed the company of some colourful people whom I admit I was happy to pull away from with a faster pace this morning. Loud and heavy talkers is lively in the evening. Sometimes not my favorite when I am walking!!
I am admittedly far too tired to be witty. I will aim to put up a couple photos from today. The scenery remained beautiful.
I assure you tomorrow I will NOT be undertaking such a distance...
Till then!!
I aimed for 23 or 24. Ciruena is a nowhere town I discovered when I got there. The door to the Albuerge was locked when I was there. The one that was open was down a deserted street. I mean deserted. Like as in 'walking dead' deserted. The option was to press on. Here I am.
The place I stayed last night was indeed lovely and I enjoyed the company of some colourful people whom I admit I was happy to pull away from with a faster pace this morning. Loud and heavy talkers is lively in the evening. Sometimes not my favorite when I am walking!!
I am admittedly far too tired to be witty. I will aim to put up a couple photos from today. The scenery remained beautiful.
I assure you tomorrow I will NOT be undertaking such a distance...
Till then!!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Back to the grind...
Well, after a luxurious day and a half in Logrono, I am back at it. I have just ended my 20 or so Km's for the day. I have but one new blister to report and am feeling good. I will say however, the true danger in stopping for a day is that when the pack goes back on I sure do feel it.
It was a really nice walk today. Some faces that were familiar in earlier days were around today, one of the benefits of spending an extra day in the city. It made the send off of the other friends less dramatic for sure.
On the way today I encountered green grapes. For the first time. I sampled needless to say and this has been by far the tastiest discovery I have made yet!! SOOOO GOOD!
A beautiful stop amidst a wealth of hay was really great, and a short stroll later I am staying in the nicest Alburgue I have been in yet. Kind kind people, clean and quiet and comfortable and lovely. I will wake up early and get at it tomorrow again, with an intense need to find my rhythm again.
More tomorrow from the next stop on the way..
It was a really nice walk today. Some faces that were familiar in earlier days were around today, one of the benefits of spending an extra day in the city. It made the send off of the other friends less dramatic for sure.
On the way today I encountered green grapes. For the first time. I sampled needless to say and this has been by far the tastiest discovery I have made yet!! SOOOO GOOD!
A beautiful stop amidst a wealth of hay was really great, and a short stroll later I am staying in the nicest Alburgue I have been in yet. Kind kind people, clean and quiet and comfortable and lovely. I will wake up early and get at it tomorrow again, with an intense need to find my rhythm again.
More tomorrow from the next stop on the way..
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday: buenos noches!
Well this was a long day. It's 1235, I am on my way back to my late night Albuerge (this is uncommon) and I should also point out I am boracho. (Read intoxicated for those of you who are not multi lingual.
The party continues to roar in the street. I JUST left the band stage. It's TUESDAY for crying out loud. And it kinda warms my heart that I could stop for 'street meat' right now if I wanted. I really wish I knew how to say that in Spanish.
In Logronos, and the Rioja wine festival ends tomorrow. Looking at the clock I am glad I had already decided I take the day off tomorrow. This was a long one. But what a night. The cheapest wine was delicious. The people are living. It was a special night. I will sleep in a little maybe. And the next day back at it.
My head will hit my pillow and I will sleep very very content tonight. Muches gracias pero todo Logronos!
The party continues to roar in the street. I JUST left the band stage. It's TUESDAY for crying out loud. And it kinda warms my heart that I could stop for 'street meat' right now if I wanted. I really wish I knew how to say that in Spanish.
In Logronos, and the Rioja wine festival ends tomorrow. Looking at the clock I am glad I had already decided I take the day off tomorrow. This was a long one. But what a night. The cheapest wine was delicious. The people are living. It was a special night. I will sleep in a little maybe. And the next day back at it.
My head will hit my pillow and I will sleep very very content tonight. Muches gracias pero todo Logronos!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Strong start, sore finish.
So, it was a lovely stop in Estella. A Belgian fellow lent me his guitar and I was able to play for a while. I was missing that. Had a mediocre sleep on a bed that was just too short. Lovely breakfast served by Betty, the kindest Irish volunteer ever. Off to an early start today, walking by 7.
Just a couple Km's out of town a winery has opened a tap for pilgrims. It was a wonderful start. I will have this wine at dinner today.
From that point on i was feeling good for a couple hours, and then the some dull ache appeared in my lower body. It subsides after a hot shower. Phew! 21 more Km's today, perhaps I should not be surprised.
The sky's and the views were dramatic today. And I skipped a food purchase in the last town I COULD have made one before the last 9km stretch. I will NOT make this mistake again. Hey-Zeus I am hungry!
I am going to lose some off my group tomorrow as they push through a 28km stretch to Logronos. I don't think I have the steam to go that far so it will be a new camino all over again.
More on tomorrow's progress... Tomorrow!
Just a couple Km's out of town a winery has opened a tap for pilgrims. It was a wonderful start. I will have this wine at dinner today.
From that point on i was feeling good for a couple hours, and then the some dull ache appeared in my lower body. It subsides after a hot shower. Phew! 21 more Km's today, perhaps I should not be surprised.
The sky's and the views were dramatic today. And I skipped a food purchase in the last town I COULD have made one before the last 9km stretch. I will NOT make this mistake again. Hey-Zeus I am hungry!
I am going to lose some off my group tomorrow as they push through a 28km stretch to Logronos. I don't think I have the steam to go that far so it will be a new camino all over again.
More on tomorrow's progress... Tomorrow!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Estrelaaaaaaaa!
Yeah, so you're supposed to read the entry title a la 'streetcar named desire'.... Yeah so? I walked another 21 Km's today. I am delirious. What do you want!?
Well, maybe it was 19. It depends which book you refer to, but I am going with 21. Because I can. My walking partner this morning, her book says 19. I told Tess that for today I am going with my total of 21, but tomorrow I will go with hers as it suggests it's. shorter day!
Most of the morning was a winding path through fields of grape vines, olive trees, fig trees and conveniently placed blackberry bushes. I ate my fair share of grapes and blackberries. They were delicious. Amazing how good things taste when you feel you've earned it.
I also had the best cafe I have had yet sitting alone thinking about how good I was feeling. That was followed by lunch at a small town a little further along where I put my feet in a very cold river for 20 minutes. It was like shangri la. Shangri f'ing la I am telling you.
In 2, maybe three days time (depending on how the feets hold up) I will be in a town called Logronos, of the Rioja region. Yep. I see a day of rest (read a day of mass wine consumption) while there. I am really looking forward.
I am walking with some lovely people. Considerate caring bunch. And have moved ahead of some others I hope to run into again. I remain sore. And tired. And grateful.
Well, maybe it was 19. It depends which book you refer to, but I am going with 21. Because I can. My walking partner this morning, her book says 19. I told Tess that for today I am going with my total of 21, but tomorrow I will go with hers as it suggests it's. shorter day!
Most of the morning was a winding path through fields of grape vines, olive trees, fig trees and conveniently placed blackberry bushes. I ate my fair share of grapes and blackberries. They were delicious. Amazing how good things taste when you feel you've earned it.
I also had the best cafe I have had yet sitting alone thinking about how good I was feeling. That was followed by lunch at a small town a little further along where I put my feet in a very cold river for 20 minutes. It was like shangri la. Shangri f'ing la I am telling you.
In 2, maybe three days time (depending on how the feets hold up) I will be in a town called Logronos, of the Rioja region. Yep. I see a day of rest (read a day of mass wine consumption) while there. I am really looking forward.
I am walking with some lovely people. Considerate caring bunch. And have moved ahead of some others I hope to run into again. I remain sore. And tired. And grateful.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Body broken. Spirit strong.
That does it. Photos are messing with my posts. I'll separate them from here on in
As I was saying...
Well, the body feels broken but the spirit is strong.
I walked 24km's today. The blisters felt good overall, and I think only one or two began to form over the day. It's a sure sign of how f'd up my feet are as I am truly doing all the things I am supposed to in order to avoid them. Meh. What are ya gonna do. Keep the treatment up and move on. 21km's on the docket tomorrow. Such fun.
There was some ascent again today. It did, once again, kick my ass. Mostly though because I had to come back down. The walking poles I have are proving priceless. Many around me who came without have acquired them since. I am a little in awe of the fact that its only day 4. Holy hell. Only 4!?
So, it's official now. There was not much question before, but this is now fully the craziest physical challenge I have ever faced. And it's only day 4. As my new German friends would say... Shiza.
To those of you who have sent encouragement, I am grateful. Keep it coming. It truly means a lot. Thoughts of home are frequent. I'll take a few steps for you all again tomorrow.
xo
Gregorio
Ps. Jack James, thanks for following along. Please tell your teacher, and your class that I am sorry for any profanity. As soon as the pain subsides I will wash my mouth out with soap ;-)
As I was saying...
Well, the body feels broken but the spirit is strong.
I walked 24km's today. The blisters felt good overall, and I think only one or two began to form over the day. It's a sure sign of how f'd up my feet are as I am truly doing all the things I am supposed to in order to avoid them. Meh. What are ya gonna do. Keep the treatment up and move on. 21km's on the docket tomorrow. Such fun.
There was some ascent again today. It did, once again, kick my ass. Mostly though because I had to come back down. The walking poles I have are proving priceless. Many around me who came without have acquired them since. I am a little in awe of the fact that its only day 4. Holy hell. Only 4!?
So, it's official now. There was not much question before, but this is now fully the craziest physical challenge I have ever faced. And it's only day 4. As my new German friends would say... Shiza.
To those of you who have sent encouragement, I am grateful. Keep it coming. It truly means a lot. Thoughts of home are frequent. I'll take a few steps for you all again tomorrow.
xo
Gregorio
Ps. Jack James, thanks for following along. Please tell your teacher, and your class that I am sorry for any profanity. As soon as the pain subsides I will wash my mouth out with soap ;-)
Body broken. Spirit strong!
I walked 24km's today. The blisters felt good overall, and I think only one or two began to form over the day. It's a sure sign of how f'd up my feet are as I am truly doing all the things I am supposed to in order to avoid them. Meh. What are ya gonna do. Keep the treatment up and move on. 21km's on the docket tomorrow. Such fun.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Blisters in the sun again....
Stupid blog spot is NOT playing nice. Here is the text. Apologies for the duplicate entries... -@&$€£
It's a confession really.
It would have been a beautiful day to walk. And I know for a fact that I missed some beautiful scenery. That said, when I woke up this morning and realized that despite my regimented efforts to avoid them I had nearly as many blisters as toes, I gave in and hopped a bus to Pamplona. I have spent the last hour and a half giving them tlc. Tomorrow I walk again, a modest distance (only 8 Km's) to the next town I will stop in. Going to get warmed back up.
I had a late lunch consisting entirely of fruit. No meat or cheese to be seen in the meal. Amazing.
There was a modicum of walking to be done when I got here solely to see some of the beautiful scenery. Buildings, squares and people alike, it's a beautiful city.
I am going to put my feet up for a while. Likely I will spend the balance of the afternoon thinking about how civilized Europe is. There is a much more evident hedonistic view to life here overall. It's one I admire, and have been trying to embrace for the last while. Stores close mid afternoon to break. Tiny delicious 'pincho's' are served all day meant to comprise small and numerous meals. Wine is served early and often. Viva Espagna. What's not to like!
It's a confession really.
It would have been a beautiful day to walk. And I know for a fact that I missed some beautiful scenery. That said, when I woke up this morning and realized that despite my regimented efforts to avoid them I had nearly as many blisters as toes, I gave in and hopped a bus to Pamplona. I have spent the last hour and a half giving them tlc. Tomorrow I walk again, a modest distance (only 8 Km's) to the next town I will stop in. Going to get warmed back up.
I had a late lunch consisting entirely of fruit. No meat or cheese to be seen in the meal. Amazing.
There was a modicum of walking to be done when I got here solely to see some of the beautiful scenery. Buildings, squares and people alike, it's a beautiful city.
I am going to put my feet up for a while. Likely I will spend the balance of the afternoon thinking about how civilized Europe is. There is a much more evident hedonistic view to life here overall. It's one I admire, and have been trying to embrace for the last while. Stores close mid afternoon to break. Tiny delicious 'pincho's' are served all day meant to comprise small and numerous meals. Wine is served early and often. Viva Espagna. What's not to like!
Blisters in the sun...
It would have been a beautiful day to walk. And I know for a fact that I missed some beautiful scenery. That said, when I woke up this morning and realized that despite my regimented efforts to avoid them I had nearly as many blisters as toes, I gave in and hopped a bus to Pamplona. I have spent the last hour and a half giving them tlc. Tomorrow I walk again, a modest distance (only 8 Km's) to the next town I will stop in. Going to get warmed back up.
I had a late lunch consisting entirely of fruit. No meat or cheese to be seen in the meal. Amazing.
There was a modicum of walking to be done when I got here solely to see some of the beautiful scenery. Buildings, squares and people alike, it's a beautiful city.
5.5% redux
Todays entry is bring difficult. Here's the text only version in entirety!
Yep. That's right. I have, as of now, finished about 5.5% of my journey. FML. (Stat courtesy of Tristan from Australia. I nearly decked him when he shared that fact). Regardless I am managing to keep a smile on my face.
I have admittedly lost count of the blisters on my feet at the end of day 2. The small victory is that it was an easier day than yesterday. The defeat is that victory is clearly becoming relative!
I walked largely on my own today. I meditated on gratitude I concede. I feel lucky, blessed and grateful for this life. I also am amazed at the innate goodness of people on an international scale.
The scenery remains beautiful. I am going to sleep like the world is ending tonight. Right as soon as I tend to the new crop of blisters....
See you tomorrow....
I have admittedly lost count of the blisters on my feet at the end of day 2. The small victory is that it was an easier day than yesterday. The defeat is that victory is clearly becoming relative!
I walked largely on my own today. I meditated on gratitude I concede. I feel lucky, blessed and grateful for this life. I also am amazed at the innate goodness of people on an international scale.
The scenery remains beautiful. I am going to sleep like the world is ending tonight. Right as soon as I tend to the new crop of blisters....
See you tomorrow....
5.5 %
Thursday, September 19, 2013
5.5 %
Day 2 Morning Update
1: I am sore. And I know that Nordic poles are a thing because my upper body is feeling it too.
2: My new friend Michael has provided some wisdom for the 3 blisters I have. It's going to be an interesting day.
3: people, and their will to accomplish are amazing.
Gotta go....
2: My new friend Michael has provided some wisdom for the 3 blisters I have. It's going to be an interesting day.
3: people, and their will to accomplish are amazing.
Gotta go....
AGAIN: Day one: tired and happy
Well it was quite a day. 23 Km's (approx) of steady climb. And I mean steady. This kind of steady:
If I knew how to say 'I got my ass kicked' in French I would insert that here!
I walked with some lovely people today. Kate from Nashville, and Michael and Victoria (a father/daughter combo) from England.
I lost them in the last 5 Km's and hope to have dinner with then now that I have found my way to the Albuerge. Albuerge is what I'll sleep in most evenings.
This was (reportedly) the toughest day I can expect from a physical stand point. I am suspect, but allowing myself to be a little bit relieved by this news.
Fortunately lunch got me through the afternoon!
The cafe con leche is making me very happy. I rewarded myself with them twice today.
I am going to sleep like the world is ending tonight I suspect. It will be good.
In other news, I learned today that I can receive texts at no charge. Text me! Just don't expect a response. Your encouraging words will be welcome. Going to post now, and hopefully will have more from destinations unknown tomorrow!
This was (reportedly) the toughest day I can expect from a physical stand point. I am suspect, but allowing myself to be a little bit relieved by this news.
Fortunately lunch got me through the afternoon!
The cafe con leche is making me very happy. I rewarded myself with them twice today.
I am going to sleep like the world is ending tonight I suspect. It will be good.
In other news, I learned today that I can receive texts at no charge. Text me! Just don't expect a response. Your encouraging words will be welcome. Going to post now, and hopefully will have more from destinations unknown tomorrow!
Day one: tired and happy.
> Well it was quite a day. 23 Km's (approx) of steady climb. And I mean steady. This kind of steady:
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
High class start....
I will have more for you on the other side of the flight. Likely from a far less luxurious train ride!
Okay okay. Breakfast is done, I had coffee and freshened up. And after a bit of traffic circling we are on final approach. Given its still so early for me I feel quite good. That could all change when I land and find out what's involved in getting to the train and my ultimate destination tonight, but I live livin on the edge!
Thanks for following along. More soon!!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
I wonder if this will work!?
So, sitting on the plane for the first leg of the journey. It suddenly occurred to me that I have no idea if my blogger account will allow me to post a video clip to this little rambling site I have set up. This is a first attempt to find out. That said if there's anything resembling me speaking from an airplane seat immediately above this text, it has been a rousing success. If not... Well shit!!!??
The adventure is pretty much on. It will be a few days yet before I get to St. Jean to get my walk on, but I am contemplative about how quickly I managed to arrive at the precipice of the adventure. It wasn't that long ago that departure seemed an eternity away, and yet here I am.
If you're reading this, one way or another we must be important enough to each other for you to have come up with this interwebs address! So thank you for your contribution to my little jaunt. Please consider leaving your comments here if you please. While I may not see them right away, they will be an integral part of what I am going to get out of, and embrace on the other side of this crazy experience.
Hope you're doing something amazing with your evening!
Aaaaaaand I'm off....
G
The adventure is pretty much on. It will be a few days yet before I get to St. Jean to get my walk on, but I am contemplative about how quickly I managed to arrive at the precipice of the adventure. It wasn't that long ago that departure seemed an eternity away, and yet here I am.
If you're reading this, one way or another we must be important enough to each other for you to have come up with this interwebs address! So thank you for your contribution to my little jaunt. Please consider leaving your comments here if you please. While I may not see them right away, they will be an integral part of what I am going to get out of, and embrace on the other side of this crazy experience.
Hope you're doing something amazing with your evening!
Aaaaaaand I'm off....
G
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