Author: Linda

Dancers and Pilgrims ~ June 12, 2016

  • Sunday, June 12, 2016
  • Day 43 (Day 40 Camino)
  • Sangüesa
  • Distance: 14 miles (5% tarmac) 581 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,595 feet and descent 1,897 feet
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Weather: 65-72 degrees, blue skies the clouds

I walk in the good company of a French woman, Sophie. She says, “Pilgrims must prepare their feet each morning like dancers.” How true as I continue to wrap my feet in athletic tape.

Sangüesa is filled with music. A dozen people sat at an outdoor café singing in perfect harmony to the guitar melody.

  1. Toward Sangüesa
  2. Toward Sangüesa
  3. Toward Sangüesa

Winners and Loosers ~ June 12, 2016

  • Sunday, June 12, 2016
  • Day 43 (Day 40 Camino)
  • Sangüesa
  • Distance: 14 miles (5% tarmac) 581 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,595 feet and descent 1,897 feet
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Weather: 65-72 degrees, blue skies the clouds

As with any man-made reservoir, some towns profited while other towns were destroyed by its recent creation.

  1. Toward Sangüesa
  2. Toward Sangüesa
  3. Toward Sangüesa

Bar’s Open ~ June 11, 2016

  • Saturday, June 11, 2016
  • Day 42 (Day 39 Camino)
  • Ruesta
  • Distance: 18 miles (80% tarmac) 567 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,289 feet and descent 1,81 feet
  • Time: 7 1/2 hours
  • Weather: 65-77 degrees, blue skies the clouds

Ruesta was an important medieval village. In 1959, the town was formally abandoned.

Today the streets are filled with ruined houses and the church is closed; but, the bar and Gîte are open to serve pilgrims.

  1. Ruesta
  2. Ruesta
  3. Ruesta

Stunning Gorge ~ June 10, 2016

  • Monday, June 13, 2016
  • Day 44 (Day 41 Camino)
  • Monreal
  • Distance: 21 miles (60% tarmac) 602 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,994 feet and descent 1,514 feet
  • Time: 9 1/2 hours
  • Weather: 65-72 degrees, overcast, drizzle, blue sky with clouds

The spectacular gorge of Foz de Lumbuer. Griffon and Egyptian Vultures ride on thermals in-and-out the 150-meters deep gorge.

  1. Towards Monreal
  2. Towards Monreal
  3. Towards Monreal

Watermelon ~ June 10, 2016 

  • Friday, June 10, 2016
  • Day 41 (Day 38 Camino)
  • Arrés
  • Distance: 18 1/2 miles (5% tarmac) 549 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,206 feet and descent 1,731 feet
  • Time: 9 hours
  • Weather: 65-77 degrees, blue skies the clouds

After hours of winding in-and-out of the woods between the river and the road, the final 4km of today’s walk climbed high up a narrow path in the heat of the afternoon. I was drenched with sweat. I arrived at the Gîte to be welcomed by the volunteer host with the coldest slice of watermelon!

  1. Arrés
  2. Arrés – Gîte building on left
  3. Arrés

Chop, Incorporated ~ June 10, 2016

  • Friday, June 10, 2016
  • Day 41 (Day 38 Camino)
  • Arrés
  • Distance: 18 1/2 miles (5% tarmac) 549 1/2 total miles
  • Ascent 1,206 feet and descent 1,731 feet
  • Time: 9 hours
  • Weather: 65-77 degrees, blue skies the clouds

Lamb Chop, Incorporated.

The “chocolate dipped” lamb squeezes into the feeding station.

  1. Towards Arrés
  2. Towards Arrés
  3. Towards Arrés

Contrasts ~ June 9, 2016

  • Thursday, June 9, 2016
  • Day 40 (Day 37 Camino)
  • Jaca
  • Distance: 5 miles {time required to purchase Spanish SIM card for phone} (5% tarmac) 531 total miles
  • Ascent 321 feet and descent 425 feet
  • Time: 1 1/2 hours
  • Weather: 65-77 degrees, blue skies the clouds

What a contrasts!

Before a proper bridge was built, the river Aragón was crossed using stepping stones at three different heights according to the level of the river.

No French baguette for lunch. Today’s short walk allowed me to enjoy tapas and fine Spanish wine for lunch.

The snow capped Pyrénées seen in the horizon are such a contrast to the summer heat in Jaca.

  1. Towards Jaca
  2. Jaca
  3. Jaca