Climbing out of the Pamplona valley | Day 5

We made it to Puenta La Reina after 33,666 steps and 12.8 miles. Today we climbed out of the Pamplona valley and up some very steep, but beautiful terrain and past ancient castles, some of which were deserted. When we got to the top near the windmills, there was the famous metal cutouts of the pilgrims.

This was one of the places I felt would be best for Kim’s, Austin’s and Mom and Dad’s ashes. The peace and serenity of this place is hard to describe, and the views enormous.

Upon leaving here you are faced with what you’d expect from a place so high up. Extreme downhill! The path was round river rock and it constantly moved under your feet, kind of like walking in an earthquake! Pretty wild.

Finally, I’d like to end with a question. How many days does it usually take you, when you go on a vacation or other trip like this (yeah right!), to finally slow down, relax and smell the roses?

For me that is usually about four days. Today was the fifth day, and I finally started slowing down. Instead of looking down, I looked around. Instead of passing people, I let them pass. Instead of trying to keep up with Steve, I let him go. Instead of trying to figure out what was wrong and how to fix it, I started to look around and see what was right. Instead of trying to figure out if we were going to get where we needed to be, I don’t care.

I’m finally here and in the now. Feels different but real, right and raw.