Today I went further than planned.

I had planned on walking to Puenta La Reina but arrived there at 11:30, so I thought it was too soon to stop especially since the Albergues don’t open until 1:30, so I kept going until I reached Cirauqui (where the pen is in the next photo).

With today’s walk I just past the 100 km mark (100.3 to be exact).

I am getting my stride; up early and leave by 6am, I avoid the heat, I hike for 2 hours then stop for some breakfast, keep going with the occasional stop for a rest and a snack, and keep going until I reach my destination. My goal is to stop walking for the day before 1:00pm.

Of all the things I purchased getting ready for this adventure such as hiking poles, boots, raincoat, clothing, but the one investment that has paid for itself is the camel back water bottle! Having water right there at your mouth when you need it is heavenly.

Meeting new people each day and connecting with them. It amazes me that we meet a total stranger on the trail and after a few minutes of conversation there emerges a shared experience that implies we were meant to meet.

A few photos from today

When you think you are staying in a quiet medieval town and you go for a walk to explore you stumble across things you would have expected!

A Basque Music Festival