On the crest of the hill after a 12km climb
Day 5 was a long day. We started a little later than planned and the temperature rose to 32c during the day. Once again the Camino put a mountain in the way. A gradual 12 km ascent out of Pamplona to a height of about 900 metres, then down over a distance of 3km. I swear descending is harder than ascending. At the peak of the mountian are very famous statues of pilgrims, cut out of metal. Also this area is full of windmills generating power. We coved 24.6km over a period of 8.5 hours, we stopped for an hour for lunch in the shade of an old church, next to their fountain. A little shop was baking bread and made Bocadillio’s to order. We had a very nice Jamin and tomato roll and a can of drink for €2.7 each.
With the increasing temperature, our water consumption increased. I averaged 1 litre for each 5km. Fortunately the towns had a fountain or two of potable water we could drink and refill our water bottles, usually located near the church or in the town square (plaza mayor).
We stopped for a rest as often as we could in the shade. I think we both got a little sunburnt, even though I refreshed my sunscreen 3-4 times during the day.
We arrived at Puenta La Reina thoroughly exhuausted, the hotel is an oasis. This is the first place we have stayed at in Europe this trip that has in room aircon. Absolute heaven. We went down for dinner, they serve an all you can eat Pilgrims Buffet, and unlimited wine or beer for £8/persona. We needed the carbs!
We might be starting to fall apart, Janice just found she is loosing a toenail. It has been hurting all day. Probably the first of many for both of us.
Russ and Jan's Camino 