On to Pamplona

Today was another idyllic day for me. I was on the trail by 7:30 am and snacked on yoghurt, chocolate, crackers and fruit along the route. For about 6 hours I walked, gawked and photographed the outrageously verdant and variable landscape. We're still in the mountains so the trail generally headed either up or down, in both cases my walking poles served me very well.

This wonderful scenic footpath meandered throughout an ever changing banquet of pine forests, open meadows with sheep or cattle grazing (did I mention that they actually wear bells around their necks?), lush leafy forests and scenic ancient villages. It was like walking for days on our own Bruce Trail but condensed into a few hours - around every corner the scenery was new and different. Amazing discoveries were everywhere.

I walked mostly with my young Italian and British friends today. The rain grew harder and the steep rocky trail turned to mud. It's been raining and cold now for two days and everything I own is muddy and wet. So naturally I went to the pub and drank wine (which was cheaper than tea) with a pile of lovely folks from all over the world. I was warm in no time! Everyone seems happy and friendly. We had a super evening sharing stories About our days' experiences And our homes.

I've gotta say, this is an awesome adventure so far! I love the physicality of it, the fabulously beautiful and ever changing scenery every minute of the day, and meeting all these interesting people. As one person said today: "it's like a walking party". It's hard to go to sleep at night because I'm so excited for tomorrow.