Wednesday, May 8, 2024

We have given ourselves a little latitude today. It came in the form of an upcoming municipal albergue that Paul had spotted online last evening. Many beds are available, with an opening time of noon. I begin the day preparing the pack by 5:30. Breakfast is quick. Before I know it Paul and I are walking the lit streets through the early morning darkness. I climb quickly, settling into a pace close to my top gear. After an hour of walking, I meet up with Jess on the trail. We walk into a beautiful village built on the apex of a hill, stopping briefly at a café patio for coffee and fun conversation with the larger group. From here, the walk to the town of Estella is quick, very scenic, and fun, talking fearlessly and exchanging ideas on topics wide and intriguing. A few churches along the way are explored and photographed, with the municipal albergue emerging soon down narrow streets. Check-in, shower, launder clothing and hang to dry. Pilgrims congregate around the albergue patio table for enjoyment. Laughs, goofs, jokes. Later into the evening we walk toward the centre of the old city and find a restaurant serving paella in the square—the Plaza de Santiago. Tables are pushed together, and a wonderfully fun meal is enjoyed with incredible people. An exceptional day was spent with people I am magnetically drawn toward, lost in wonderful conversation. This is the day where certainty and love come together over my camino.

Today’s distance walked: 26.4 km    |    Total distance walked: 156.11 km

“I need to walk fast or I’ll lose my brave.” — A pilgrim perspective on walking