Letters To

As written below, we are all ready to go for the day when we realized that Ingeborg had left her very nice jacket in the restaurant the night before. Of course, per Spanish rules, nothing is open yet, even though it's nearly 8 am. Rita decides she can't wait and heads on to the next town. Since she and Ingeborg both have cell phones ("handys" in German), I don't worry too much. We'll catch up with her soon. I wait with Ingeborg for a while, and completely understand why she does not want to leave that jacket behind--it's very nice, lightweight and windproof. But soon, I get the "itch" too, and let her know that I'm going ahead and will see her later. Our goal is Puente la Reina, at a private alburgue there. Plus, Ingeborg wants to take a slight detour to Eunate, the site of a church that is supposed to be one of the last ones built by the Templars. Agreeing to meet up whenever, I head up the path, keeping the yellow arrows in sight. It is sti...

Good grief, I just realized it's been a week since I updated here. At this rate, I won't get my trip all blogged till 2009! Well, life is a lot more complicated OFF the Road than on it! Kids, grandkids, job hunting, working, blah, blah, blah. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it, but I WILL get this finished. Just bear with me and keep checking back, my friends! Love and holiday hugs, Crone

After a short snooze on the hill (during which time, either from relaxing on a slant, or for some other unknown reason, my back gave a tremendous "POP" and my hip didn't hurt for the first time in years!), we put our boots back on, load u p, and head down the slope away from Alt de Perdon and towards Uterga. The way is very rocky and fairly steep. Once again, I am quickly left behind, because I am just ultra-careful about where I'm putting my feet. I just cannot afford to fall down and really hurt myself. The way continues down the rocky washes, where it's easy to see where the water might run if it rains. After a while, I catch up with the ladies, who are making a pit stop. The sun which was hidden in the morning, has come out in force and it's very warm. Again, I am SO grateful for my hat. We walk on, descending and descending, until the terrain flattens out and we are walking on sort of a berm between farm fields. We can see the buildings of Uterga in the d...

Again, we are climbing. The grade is not as steep as it was going from St. Jean, but the terrain is much rougher. As we walk, I am so thankful that the ladies took their chances and adjusted my pack. It truly feels pounds lighter, and I realize that I am actually keeping up with them. What a difference pulling on a few straps makes! The wind has picked up, and it's quite chilly, but this is the kind of weather I'm used to walking in in Colorado, so I actually feel invigorated for a change. After my little meltdown earlier, I feel so good inside, I don't mind the cold, the wind, the stark scenery. I am just enjoying walking, putting one foot in front of the other. Still, I'm not the fastest walker, and from time to time a person here or there will pass me. This trail is not crowded today, however, and I'm also grateful for the solitude. After a bit, we pass into the small village of Zariquiegui. It's cold, and cloudy, and we would welcome a cafe con leche, but th...