Tuesday, May 7, 2024

We slept late this morning. Eight glorious hours of rest, waking at 5:00. By 6:00 I am preparing the pack, shimmying into gear, and discussing the upcoming day’s worth of walking with my mates. Today we’re aiming for the town of Puenta La Reine. By the time we are outside the silver hour is upon us, the steely light of the pre-dawn early hours coating everything in a metallic sheen. We walk out of town together and into the surrounding fields of variegated green—a wonderful patchwork randomized by nature. Soon we are climbing into hills dotted with wind turbines, and ascending hilltops where statues of pilgrims frozen in time gaze into the breathtaking 360-degree view for kilometres. A break, and then we descend. I take a 2 km detour to walk to the famous Iglesia Santa Maria de Eunate. I am surprised to find the path empty. Nothing but the wind and endless sky. Solitude, for an hour or so. Upon arrival, I check in to the albergue, clean, settle in, and then join those travelling with me for a meal. These days have all been amazing, aches and pains withstanding.

Today’s distance walked: 38.1 km    |    Total distance walked: 129.71 km

“Where the path of the wind meets that of the stars.” — Monument to the Camino at the El Perdón Pass