Steve & Vicki at Alto del Perdon

We left Pamplona around 7:30 heading toward our destination in Puerte la Reina. We have a reservation, so we know we will have a bed once we arrive.

Our trek today covered 18 miles, and 125 flights of stairs. It was a lot of steep up and down rocky trails. We really had to watch our footing especially going down. And it was HOT! The temperature was 98! The trail was mostly along fields, so there was very little shade. We stopped for water anytime we found shade. At one stop we looked back and saw some ruins we would have missed, since one’s focus is usually looking ahead and watching your footing.

The highlight of today was the climb up to ‘Alto del Perdon’ where we saw the metal silhouette sculpture of medieval pilgrims on the way to Santiago. Since we passed by lots of windmills on the way up, we thought (and hoped) we could get some relief from the heat with a breeze. It’s usually windy up there, but not today! The views were great – we could see the trail we had been on and where we were headed.

In Muruzabal there was a young girl selling lemonade in front of her garage. We were more than happy to buy a glass. By this time I was pretty worn out. By Obanos, I pretty much ‘hit a wall’ where I struggled through the last 3 km.

After a shower, dinner, and a nights rest we are ready for whatever tomorrow brings!

This scripture from Romans 5:1-5, was something we reflected on before our Camino, and we continue reflect on it while we walk:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast I hope of the glory of God.

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.