MeAndering the Camino

Last night at the Pilgrim’s Mass after dinner, think its safe to say many prayers for less rain were offered! By late afternoon, looks like the message got through!

Leaving the Monastery Albergue, we pass through the Witches Forest, so named because in the 14th century covens of witches were suspected to inhabit the wooded area. Once safely through, today could not have been more different than yesterday. Beautiful little villages every 3-5 miles meant many options for taking the kind off of footfall! The much flatter terrain was also very welcomed.

The paths varied from paved road, to wooded forest trails to narrow passages through the fields. Still some misty rain but also stretches of sunshine which brought out all the colors of the villages and forests. Have also been amazed at some of the snails/slugs. This dark one and many orange ones are allover in the wet detris of the forests. For reference, that’s my size 10 next to the dark colored slug!

Near the end of the day, we came down a very steep incline to the town of Zubiri. Since Roman Empire times, Zubiri has quarried stone to pave roads, build bridges and employ locals. Some of the roads in the area are actually remains of Roman road to Rome! The other notable structures are bridges, mostly the ones built in the 12th century. That’s right, not eleven or thirteen, 12! The one onto Zubiri was built in 12th century and legend says if you walk an animal across 3 times, it will be immune to Rabies!

The planned stages of the Camino Frances usually end day 2 in Zubiri. I had hoped to get to Pamplona today (end of Day 3). It was only 11:45 when I came down the hill to Zubiri so I pushed on after taking the photos of La Rabia Bridge. My feet had other thoughts and so about 2 miles out of Zubiri, I stopped and had my picnic. I also have the feet a break and removed my socks while I started looking for rooms within the next hour or two’s walk. My Albergue San Nicolas had a bed. Is a great choice ran by a you g Spanish couple. Coincidence would have it that 3 of the people I ate dinner with last night just arrived! The ladies from Denmark who I enjoyed talking with. Also, three of the last people I encountered throughout the day. I am enjoying walking alone but is nice to see familiar faces while relaxing and thinking of dinner tonight!