Day 5 - Saskatchewan's Wind is only a Breeze

Sept 16

Destination - Puenta la Reina

Distance - 22 km

Hours of walking - Five and a half including coffee and lunch

Terrain - very steep up the mountain, down the mountain, up again, down again

Weather - wind, wind, wind

Nature - beetles

Misadventure - along the path, Spanish rose vines try to nab Canadian hikers

We left Pamplona in the morning, heading out for a sturdy day's walk. Little did we know that we would be facing wind gusts like we have not ever walked in. I said to Wendy that we never would have walked in that wind at home. She replied 'we wouldn't have walked in it, because we have never had wind like this in Saskatchewan '. A good place for a wind farm, which we would pass by. Even our Irish friend commented 'that was a bit of a breeze, wasn't it love?'

First sign of the morning

Wind farm

Wendy and Dee climb

At the top of the mountain was one of the major landmarks we had been waiting for - the Monument to the Camino de Santiago. It was an emotional moment after a climb. 

Metal sculpture to honour the pilgrims

Pilgrims at play

The wind posed a constant challenge all day. It reminded me of my comment the second morning out that I was hoping for not much wind on the trek because we had enough at home. Who was I kidding? The packs served as sails and the wind came close to knocking us over. Our poles came in handy, serving as anchors to keep from following over. I kept asking myself what was the wind there as a challenge for? On the Camino, you have no choice but to face your challenges. The lesson in the wind was thinking of my friends and family who serve as my anchors, or my poles every day. I thought of all the encouragement we had received prior to heading out. Words like 'you were made for this trip' and 'your body will do what you ask of it' rang through my head. It helped keep me firmly planted on the trail, moving forward inch by inch. Even when life is hard and you feel like you are ploughing  into a head on wind, remember those that are there to keep you moving forward. 

Needless to say, we were very excited to reach our Albergue. It was a great spot - we had the best best best shower anyone had ever had. We will never forget how good it felt. 

Then we had what we can only imagine will be the most memorable meal of our journey. Our Indiana based pilgrim family invited us to join them for a home cooked meal in the Albergue's kitchen. Sarah organized and Edith assisted with grocery shopping. Then the talented cooks in the bunch got cooking (Wendy and I set the table and washed dishes, letting Dee be the Canadian cook rep!)

Sarah, the mastermind of the meal

By the time supper was ready, we had gathered a group of twenty pilgrims to share a meal. Pastor Jim blessed the meal with a grace that perfect for the Camino and we were feeling so blessed to be part of this incredible night of fellowship. Words cannot explain the feeling of warmth shared after a day on the trail with people that have common goals and interests as you. 

Edith and Mike on clean up duty

A day we will never forget. 

Cheer of the day from Wendy - the cheer of the day was having our pilgrim friends order us a cold beer when we arrived at our destination while we checked in. All we had to do was plop down and enjoy the fellowship and feeling of accomplishment. We all worked hard and it felt amazing to cheer each other on as we walked into our destination.