Daddy Joke Misfired

The customary salutation to fellow pilgrims on the trail when you pass them or leave them is to wish them a   " BUEN CAMINO "

A couple of days ago we were walking with a group of amusing travellers from all over and we were catching up to a diminutive young woman obviously of Asian extraction.

When I reached her I said "hola" as you do and asked her where she was from.

She replied " Japon " 

I couldn't resist , so, as I overtook her,  I bode her a " BUEN KIMONO"  . While the rest of our crew ,for whom English was a second language, pissed themselves, not even the remotest smile was elicited from our Japanese friend. 

So, please cancel my gig at next year's Comedyfest, won't you.

Day 9 - Blue Sky Day!

One out of the box!! Beautiful walk with our Aussie friend Natalie from Mt Isa, Queensland through the wine and wheat fields between Najera and the pretty town of Santo Domingo. Views to die for and a gentle 21km to end up at our stunning Parador, so thrilled we have 2 nights here!!!

Day 8 - 30 km to Najera

A chance meeting is a wonderful thing. Thrilled to reconnect with the vivacious and gorgeous Miriam, who then arranged a Aussie & Kiwi night out to remember in Logrono. 

Although I look like I am falling apart- the body held up better than anticipated and we made the 8 hour, 30.1km journey under a big blue Spanish sky without too much issue. We have walked over 200km - celebration tonight (again)!

Day 6 - 7 Farewell Navarre, Hello La Rioja!!

Finished 7 days walking! 196,706 steps and about 140km according to the Fitbit, one broken arm, 2 small blisters, a sore knee, and lots of new friends and experiences!

Simon has blogged today so I will just post photos of some of the most glorious scenery. We are leaving the Basque region of Navarre and entering the wine area of La Rioja.

Day 7 --Polygamy on the Camino

Remember the old days when we bought Playboy magazines just for the articles and the letters which generally commenced with  : " I never believed it could possibly be true until............"

Well, guess what? After seven days I am now enjoying a polygamous relationship with one kiwi and two Poles. How did it happen? As you know, my little kiwi broke her arm the other day and is now unable to provide me with the comfort and support to which I am accustomed. One door closes and another opens and I am now enjoying a wonderful relationship with two very young, attractive and slim Poles-- twins in fact. I am unable to tell them apart. They are loyal , sturdy, they have a spring in every step, don't talk back and give me the comfort and support I need to get me through this long adventure.

How does the kiwi feel about this? Surprisingly, she is totally on board with the concept and has given no indication that for her. " four's a crowd ". Perhaps you can put it down to the spirit of El Camino and the liberation of thought along the Way. The Poles and I are now quite inseparable, they are close to me day and night and the kiwi doesn't mind.

You may also ask, isn't a relationship with two Poles a little greedy or demanding for a man of my age?

Without skiting, I actually perform better with both Poles at once rather than individually. I don't know what to attribute it to, it could be the Berocca or the Rioja, but that's the physical truth.

As a selfless person, and subject to immigration formalities being met, I am going to bring my twins back to NZ as I think it only fair that my friends have an opportunity to share the experience-- but that is a treat which will need to remain in store for several weeks as I shall be on my Poles for another five weeks at least . Bliss !

Buen Camino

Flora and Fauna - Day 5

Just to clarify for this blog we are only counting walking days! So if we miss a day we are enjoying a rest!

Since walking down the Spanish Pyrenees our path has been lined with fabulous wild flowers. I am really enjoying seeing them change even over a couple of days as we drop lower in altitude and the weather gets warmer. Today the scent of wild broom filled the air as we walked 20 Kms through wheat, barley and wine country. As for fauna, humans dominated as the Camino Frances joined up with the Camino Aragon. Most pilgrims have now settled into their own walking pace - one about ever 30 - 50 meters. Makes it a challenge to nip behind the bushes for a pee, especially with only one hand in action!!

Apart from a few sleeping dogs and a horse, the route was devoid of animal and bird life today. That is all about to change as Estella is having it's own 'Running of the Bulls' fiesta tonight!! 

Loving the 4 star hotel - this peregrina likes a bit of luxe!!

Arm update: pain starting to lessen, I can do most things except do up my bra. Simon is struggling with this also as it goes against the grain helping to put them on when he has spent most of his life trying to take them off!!!!

Day 4 - Pamplona to Puente de Reina

Today it was Simon's turn to blog - but the big boy is suffering from sore muscles!!! So just enjoy the photos. I'm feeling fine (pain relief probably helps). Thanks for all the messages xxxxxS

Down, Up, Down! - Days 2- 3

Day 2 and 3 couldn't have been more different. Loved getting back on the road even though bodies were feeling it from our first day. Walking from Roncervalles to Akerrata was much harder than we thought, just over 8 hours in drizzly and cold conditions. Very pleased to sink into the big bath at our hotel - the one from the lunch and bull fight scene from the movie The Way. 

We were looking forward to the easy and relatively flat walk to Pamplona! Oops, slipped and broke my arm!! Nursing skills came in handy, wiped away the tears, applied a sling and popped enough pills to dull the pain and off we set very slowly to the super efficient hospital. 

A blessing in disguise? I have lots of Camino lessons from today! Grateful it was only my arm, and the left one at that.  At least I can keep up the journal (and blog)!  Patience, as I have to rely on Simon to help bath, dress and feed me (not easy for a self sufficient "I'll do it" kind of girl)!

Never once considered we wouldn't keep going, but the scheduled rest day is well timed!! Good food & wine, new friends and thoughts from home all helping! XxS 

Day 1 - Up, up and away - the longest day

We made it! 41,546 steps, 30 km, and 7 hours walking! It was steeper, harder, more beautiful and more spectacular, than we ever imagined. Hard to say what was better at the end the beer or the bath!!