Well today was very different.  I left Pamplona at quarter ‘til eight and headed to the Alto del Perdon (Hill of Forgivness).  Well is wasn’t very forgiving.  It’s a 7% climb of 350 meters (about 1,150 feet) and the weather didn’t help.  It was about 40 degrees and a constant rain.  The wind at the top had to have been in the 30 to 40 mph range.  You had to lean or be blown over.  The cool part was the metal pilgrim sculpture at the top.  The path down was similar and very trecherous because of the wet rocks and bolders.  The trekking poles saved me several times.  Finally it leveled out as I approached Puente la Reina where I am tonight (Friday).  I arrive at 1:30 PM. Those of you that I’ve asked to pray for good weather, you need to pick it up a little.   I did walk about 15.5 miles and with the 33,653 steps today I’m now up to 121,277.

Today was also different because I walked alone.  And that was a good thing.  I noticed some ants very buisily crossing the path and I saw a couple snales, just like in the kids picture books, moving slower than me.  Leaving the business of Pamplona was a welcome relief even if I did need to go over a mountain to see the peaceful fields of wheat.  I then took a break at a church for a little snack and to dry out.

Thank your for your interest in following this blog and please invite others to join if you like.  And of course donations to the Alzheimer’s organization are really appreciated.

Tom