I think the Camino honeymoon feeling is close to over. Today's walk was a brutal seven hours. I had to remind myself of yesterday's "I can do this" feeling. Over and over again. Many ups and downs, maybe not the total gain of yesterday, but far more steep. It started out OK. You might describe…

I can do this! That's how I felt at the end of today. I was so worried about today's stretch. Our five hour trek wasn't going to cover a lot of ground, but the ascent was 350 meters (almost 1200 ft) over a short distance. The way up was tough but I took it slow…

We said goodbye to the peaceful Pyrenees, with it's chalet style architecture and cowbells, and walked right into the urban bustle of a colourful city. Many people take a rest day to explore Pamplona, famous for its bull run during the July festival of San Fermin. We decided to combine Camino walking (the trail goes…

Despite a bad night, where the town's teenage girls sat in circles on the sidewalk squealing and shouting until after 11:00 pm, we got in a good day of hiking. I figure they were trying to attract the attention of the young men staying at the alburgue across the street. It was a day of…

Another short day to get our feet used to the drill, before we start our first full length day tomorrow. Lots of uphills and corresponding downs, except for the last one that was a longer down into town. It was the kind if descent on loose rock and shale that encourages the loss of hiker's…

The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage has a religious or spiritual history. It's namesake is St. James, whose remains are buried in Santiago, Spain, the end point of the trek. The starting points are from all over Europe and there are seven designated routes across Spain. Some believe the route originating in France, located under the…

Packing our packs, this is the real thing, our Camino is happening. Weighing each ounce I'm sure everyone has one weakness they can't live without. That is unless you're C who apparently has nothing he can't live without and is willing to let me know it regularly. I've read what people bring. iPads, books and…

We're off on our adventure with plenty of magic so far along the way. Secure in the knowledge that the house will be well taken care of in our absence, our first stop included the family magic that results from the joy of a new baby. While in Edmonton, in the middle of the night…

First the baby. No longer a bump, second grandson, Parker Jay, arrived three weeks early on August 8th, 7 lbs 10 oz, 20" long. Proud parents and big brother: Elina, Sean and Rye. All's well back at home after a few nights in the NICU. Blogging bumps – in preparation for the Camino, I'm practicing…

We're weighing each item we're carrying in our Camino backpacks. Prior to the recent ankle fracture limb care included metatarsal pads, one ankle brace and a just-in-case knee brace. Our updated list has the addition of  gel inserts, an additional ankle brace and Injinji toe sock liners. Marathon physical therapy sessions and two trips to…