Mom’s head scarf
Camino Pictures
September 30, 2019 · 09:10
Pamplona – Puenta de la Reina – Estella
Set off from Pamplona at 645 in the morning. 24k to Puenta de la Reina, it was a very long hot day. We were 8 hours getting to Puenta de Reina with several stops along the way. My feet and knee are really making my walking difficult now. More climbing and rocky descent are tough on the feet and knee. Four of us got an apartment in Puenta de la Reina for 20 euro each, centre of town, it was perfect after long day. It was like a MASH unit set up fixing feet and blisters before the next morning.
The next morning started out at 615 towards Estella, trying the beat the heat of the day. It was 21k to Estella. Whenever locals tell you it’s a flat walk do not believe them! The hill outside of Puenta de la Reina was never ending and just got steeper and steeper! Stopping a couple times along the way for food and water. Made it to Estella by 2. Caught up with the rest of the gang here in Estella and we all enjoyed a lively dinner and drinks. Saturday night in Estella, a festival going on. Fire works and music, it’s a beautiful town. Staying at the Agora Hostel, it is great! Finally a bottom bunk and very clean.
I have until Wednesday morning to get to Lograno so I’ve decided to stay here another night, my feet, knee and hip are very sore and hopefully will thank me for an extra day of rest.
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My Camino Family
Javier – Seattle – (conveniently he speaks Spanish) He plans to complete the entire Camino by end of October
Coby – California – she plans to complete the entire Camino by the end of October
Judy – Toronto – her second Camino, cancer survivor, she is walking the entire for the 2nd time in 2 years
Mark – San Francisco – his 2nd Camino in 2 years, walking the entire Camino. He also walked Portugal Way this last June
Becky – Seattle – Mark’s sister, her 1st Camino, she is walking entire Camino with Mark
Beth and Larry – New Hampshire – retired couple walking the entire Camino for the first time
Chris and Lauren – Pennsylvania – their first Camino, they finished in Pamplona and travelling to Portugal for a break before returning home to the US
John and Anna – Seattle – travelling with Chris and Lauren. They finished in Pamplona but with plans to come back and complete. They are making their way to Portugal before returning to US
Darren – England – he is walking for 8 days, his first Camino
Alan – New Zealand – newly retired, plans to walk the entire Camino
Janet – PEI/NS – her 1st Camino, plans to walk the entire Camino although may be pressed for time
Sheila and Carl – Ottawa – their first Camino. Sheila is walking the entire Camino, Carl will walk with her until Oct 5th. I wish I could stay and walk with her to the end
Sadly, I didn’t get a picture of all of us
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Roncesvallas – Zulbin – Pamplona
Roncesvallas to Zulbin was aprox 22k. Very tough terrain, steep inclines and steep declines. It took forever. When I arrived at the albergue I must have looked that pathetic that the owner took my hikers off for me!! Room with 10 people, my 3rd night on a top bunk, but I was so thankful to be finished for the day. I find it difficult to sleep in the albergue. Met 2 girls from Northern Ireland, I called them the Derry Girls – the show on Netflix.
My knees are taking a beating, the declines have been so steep and hard on the ol’ knees. Most say that these were the toughest 3 days of the Camino – one can dream!
Shared my evening meal with the people I’ve meet in the first night, we’ve really bonded as a group and have lots of laughs in the evening over dinner and wine.
Zulbin – Pamplona 19.2k. I normally get started walking between 715 and 745. It’s nice to start early fo be done by the time the afternoon heat is really strong. This was much better terrain today, still some climbing but nothing like the last 3 days. The last 10k were tough, I was very tired and started getting my first blister on the back of my heel.
The morning I started in St Jean I met a couple from Ottawa at breakfast, they were started the following morning but they did the full first day to Roncesvallas, so they caught up to me on the trail today, a wonderful couple. We chatted for a while while walking and then ran into them in Pamplona and shared a drink with them both.
I’ve decided to stay 2 nights in Pamplona, I need a rest day. I was torn about this as I will not see the group I’ve bonded with over the last 4 days. A few are staying but most moving on. Some may take a rest day in Estella so I could see them again. We all had dinner last night again, we are a tired group! Exchanged contact details and lots have said they will be east to visit me!
I’m going to explore a little bit of Pamplona today, not sure how this old body will hold up!
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Buen Camino
Day 1 and 2 complete. Started first day in heavy downpour and was soaked before I got out of St Jean, the 8k to Orisson was brutal. All up hill, very steep inclines, at times I was very doubtful I would make it. I may have fell over with my knapsack on me a couple times…in the dirt! Was thankful I decided to stay in Orisson first night, I would not have made it to Roncevallas in that weather. Met so many great encouraging people on my walk and last night at pilgrim dinner in Orisson alberuge. Some doing the entire Camino and some parts like myself. We all had to introduce ourselves and say what brought us here, some were very emotion, inspiring and funny. Met folks from all over the world and walks of life. And have come to find out that people love Nova Scotia, lots want to visit. I’ve been promoting my Airbnb!
Today from Orisson to Roncevallas was 17k, mostly uphill. It is 24k from SJPP to Roncevallas, 16k is uphill. It was absolutely stunning, from the sunrise in the mountains to the top of the Pyrenees.
The albergue in Roncevallas tonight is nice and clean. Had a great pilgrim meal of trout and potatoes, and wine for 2 euro!!!
A few pics of my last 2 days. This has been very challenging but a great experience.
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Camino – deuxième partie
Like the title? My French is improving!
Knapsack weight 14lbs. It is recommended that you carry no more than 10% of body weight, so I’ve got lots of room to play with if I want to buy anything! Or as Brother says, convert to kgs so it will be lighter. I like the logic!
I’ve discovered compartments bags, which are fantastic. I have 3 different sized ones and easily can find what I’m looking for the the knapsack. Makes travelling much easier. Who knew…probably many!
Before my flight to London last night and walking around London today, I’ve been doubting myself and wondering what the hell I’m doing but I’ve calmed down now and tomorrow is a new day. This ‘offer’ at the hotel bar has helped me! 
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Camino – Take One
Am I really doing this, can I do this on my own? My thoughts as I’m about to venture on what seems like a decade long dream to start the Camino. Yes it would be nice to take off for 5-6 weeks and complete the entire Camino, but that’s not really my style, I like to take the long way round or so I’ve been told many times. I’ll plan to walk aprox 160k of Camino Frances.
This past year has been very difficult and with great loss but with loss comes new beginnings and I realize we make our own happiness in life. So, for me, there has never been a better year to go on my first solo adventure. How sweet is that!
I’ll start in Saint Jean Pied de Port France (you do not want to hear me pronounce this, especially after a couple whiskey) and finish somewhere near Lograno Spain. I have to admit my French and Spanish are pretty lack lustre, maybe I should have paid more attention to that French guy that lived in our house many years ago. But I wouldn’t be the first person to travel to a country and not know the language. There must be an App or something, or maybe I’ll just wing it…my speciality.
As much as I’ve read about the Camino, I’m realizing what you pack seems to be the most important. Carrying all your belongings everyday will be a challenge. This will not be a fashion show!
As my departure date nears I’m excited and a little nervous. I have a daily schedule of how many kms I plan to walk but I’m going to take it day by day and try really hard to enjoy each moment, the experience and of course some Spanish wine, with any luck I’ll meet some great people!
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The Big Dance
Growing up loving and playing basketball was a big part of my youth. Sometime in the mid to late 80’s I became a huge fan of college basketball. What is more exciting than March Madness? My brother and friends spent many a night watching the tournament in March.
We’d talk about how it would be amazing to someday go to a Final Four. It seemed out of reach for us kids from Nova Scotia. As we grew up we kept the dream alive about going ‘someday’.
We would have the 1st BBQ of the season on Final Four weekend, some were in good weather, once in a snow storm, but we always had cold beer and lots of opinions on who would be the winner; that was the fun part!
I started out as an Indiana fan, probably a combination of the movie Hoosiers and the book I read at least 10 times, A Season on the Brink. I was obsessed with Bobby Knight and the Hoosiers.
And who doesn’t remember Keith Smart from the corner to win the championship in ’87!
Later I loved watching Duke in the 90’s and they’re still my number 1.
I’m pretty sure I jumped on the coffee table after this ending!
2017 is the year we will live out a dream of attending the Final Four. We’re heading to Phoenix, Arizona this week. My Duke Blue Devils won’t be there but it’ll be a bucket list for us to be in the stands.
Watch out Phoenix for the beer drinking, fired up fans from Nova Scotia!
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Direct from New Scotland
It is no secret that I love Scotland and when I was given the opportunity to join WestJet on their inaugural flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Glasgow, Scotland I was ecstatic.
Here in Atlantic Canada we get excited about direct flights across the pond to Europe. Last fall WestJet announced daily non-stop service from Halifax to Glasgow for the 2015 summer season from May 29th to Oct. 23rd. Some great fares are still available for this season with easy connections from Toronto and westward.
It was an incredible experience to be part of the inaugural flight from Halifax to Glasgow on May 29th. WestJet and Halifax Stanfield International Airport really knocked it out of the park with festivities leading up to departure.
WestJet had their own tartan designed to celebrate the flights to Scotland this season. The tail of the plane has been wrapped with the tartan. For you twitter followers check out #TartanTail.
The flight was full of many guests of WestJet, including the Premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen MacNeil along with a delegation from Nova Scotia to promote our province. WestJet also had invited many of their frequent reward travellers. The CEO of WestJet, Gregg Saretsky, was onboard mingling with all the guests and helping the flight crew. The excitement leading up to boarding and on the plane was contagious, and the quickest flight I’ve ever taken over the Atlantic. On our descent to Glasgow, the pilot gave us an extra little show of Scotland and it was absolutely amazing. Beautiful sunny sky, the highlands on the horizon, and the landscape, words cannot describe the beauty of Scotland.
For the much-anticipated arrival in Glasgow we were treated to a bagpiper and Highland Dancers greeting us at the arrival terminal, this Pictou County girl felt right at home!
Glasgow City’s brand ‘People Make Glasgow’ was 1st promoted during the 2014 Commonwealth games, which they hosted. It’s great slogan for this traditionally industrial city, now with so much to offer but the people do make the city, their spirit is charming.
Glasgow hits the mark with free admission to most museums in the city. Children of all ages are welcome to explore.
A few Glasgow highlights include Riverside Museum, KelvinGrove Art Museum and Charles Renny MacKintosh architectural buildings.
A cocktail reception at Glasgow City Hall was hosted by Glasgow City, VisitScotland, Tourism Nova Scotia and of course the star of the show, WestJet.
Nova Scotia’s own Bruce Guthro was flown over to play a few tunes. He is quite well-known in Scotland and actually plays for Scottish band Runrig. He had a new song to promote and also played one of my favourites, the Purple Heather.
For the evening reception Nova Scotia offered lobster rolls, rum and NS blueberries mixed with champagne, the Scottish supplied local haggis, fudge and of course whiskey; enjoyed by all!!
Glasgow City was a buzz Saturday evening with this event at City Hall. A short walking distance away are many shops and night life. Many similarities to Halifax with all the pubs and the city bar scene in the city centre.
On Sunday, a short trip from Glasgow to Cameron House on Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Distillery was enjoyed media and travel trade representatives.
An ideal setting for corporate events, weddings, or just a weekend getaway from the city. A quick transfer from Glasgow airport takes aprox 20 minutes. Cameron House is more like a resort, with rooms in the main lodge and 3-4 bedroom cabins around the property. A Canadian designed 18 hole golf course on site. Boat or sea plane available to tour the loch.
If you’ve ever thought of making a trip to Scotland and the UK there has never been a better time. Go explore your ancestral roots, play on an award winning golf course, visit the Highlands and Islands around Scotland, follow the Whiskey trail or for the more adventurist try one of their many hiking trails. The city of Glasgow and Scotland are excited and ready to welcome you with open arms.
http://www.visitscotland.com/en-ca/
#WestJetGlasgow
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Belfast/Northern Ireland
I was a bit sad to be leaving Scotland, I really had an amazing time and still so much to explore, I will be back someday! Departed Edinburgh to Belfast Harbour City airport, a quick flight of only 38 minutes on Flybe. Although we almost missed it, we were at the airport on plenty of time but saw on the board that the flight was delayed and being Canadians found the nearest bar and got a drink to kill some time. Did not hear the announcement for the flight as it was going on time now (this never happens at home) once a flight is delayed, anyway long story short we had to run to gate and got the final call to board!
We took our 1st cab of the trip when we arrived in Belfast, fairly short drive to the city centre and 10 GBP. We stayed 2 nights in Belfast at the Park Inn city centre. Great location and easy walk to the city square, caught the last hop on/hop off tour of the day around the city. Belfast is the site of shipbuilding and famous for the building of the titanic, they are cleaning up their waterfront and there is a huge museum of the shipbuilding and titanic and also a titanic studios where much of the Games of Thones is filmed. Another well known area in Belfast is also Shankill Road and Falls Road, the roads are lined with many murals and an area known for the troubles in Belfast.
We heard this a lot in Belfast, “during our troubled years”. A few people we spoke to in Belfast said they are about 30 years behind, which I wouldn’t disagree with this but they are very proud on how far the city has come since the troubled years, I guess if you lived through this tumultuous time it would be something to be proud of to see you city grow and tourists coming to visit as they said no one came for 30 years.
Most of the people we met in Belfast are very eager to move on from the troubles and are happy to see tourists visiting their city, as it was not very long ago it was war torn and to get into the city centre their were car bombs mirrors to search under the cars, and army checks and everyone got searched. We had a great tour guide to giants causeway, he was born and raised in Belfast and seemed very opened to the different beliefs and as he said the majority would like to move on from these troubled years and see Belfast prosper but he also said there are still some people from both sides that live in the past. For someone like me I find all this very interesting but have a really hard time understanding the divide between catholic and protestant.
Our day tour the North and Giant’s Causeway departed from Belfast taking aprox an hour to go directly to Giant’s Causeway with a stop close by at old bushmills distillery, it was a great day tour costing 25 GBP.
http://www.belfastcitysightseeing.com/gc/
Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful spot on the tip of a Northern Ireland and only 12 miles from Scotland. It became a world heritage site in 1986. If you go as our tour guide told us to save your 8 pounds and walk around the visitors centre and straight down to the site, you can get a shuttle as it is a bit if a walk up especially coming back it is mostly up hill. They charge 1 pound each direction for the shuttle.
From here we went to the famous roped bridge, I believe also famous area where game of thones is filmed if you are fan. This was 5 pounds entry fee, if you want to cross the bridge, it was an aprox 20 minutes walk and a well maintained trail to cross the roped bridge. The views were spectalar and lots of great photo ops. The bridge was pretty cool, not nerves but maybe coming back over it it was shaking quite a bit but we both did it!
For here we drove the coastal road back to Belfast, beautiful drive. It is true what they say about the north, you’ve got to take the time to explore.
Took the train from Belfast to Dublin, a relaxing 2 hours but buy your tickets in advance got stung a bit buying day of, but a great way to travel.
Spent our last two days in Dublin having a great visit with Siobhan, shopping and hanging out at our favourite spot from last year, Oliver St. John Gogarty pub. I’m sure the locals would think it’s too touristy but a great spot for live music from 1:30pm to 1:30AM daily.
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