I think it’s from all the downhill walking yesterday, but it feels like someone has inserted hot coals into each of my calves. Stretch. Stretch. Stretch. All shall be well. 
I made it to the top of the most recent hill. There are plenty of them here. As I started my way down I came across all these purple flowers. It struck me that Santiago is still over 450 miles away and that it’s OK to stop and smell the flowers for just a moment. It will not delay my arrival at all.
I have a new found taste for Coca-Cola. After putting in 10 miles it is the most delicious thing on the planet. As I sat there, drinking my ice cold Coca-Cola and visiting with a girl from Canada, who has a love of hockey, I looked over and there was a lady who is walking the Camino with her baby. The girl from Canada and I both felt rather ashamed at being tired. The baby was no more than three or four months old, and the momma was carrying the baby all along the way. I got nothing.
I just saw a sign that said Pamplona is about 8.3 km/5 miles. I said to myself, “Self, that is less than three times around Crosslin Park.” I’ve got to keep moving.
I don’t know how well this will come out, but it is the valley before Pamplona. It is a panoramic shot. Go ahead and say it, “Gorgeous!”
Soon afterward, I came to the church where I said my rosary for today. It was so nice and cool inside. Probably no more than about 40 people could have fit. I’m not quite sure how I got this shot but I thought it came out beautiful.
I have arrived at my hotel in Pamplona. It is the Aloha Hostel. I’m not sure that Aloha is a Spanish word. And, yes, if you thought of the movie, Hostel, when you read the name… So did I!
Now, please do not judge me. I was hungry, I was tired, and I did not want to figure out anything else. It’s also right next-door to my hotel. I had a Pepsi to go with it only because they did not serve Coca-Cola. I ordered the Alabama. When I said, “Alabama,” the girl behind the counter, looked at me and wondered what language I was speaking. I wanted to teach her how to say it properly, maybe the way Boudreaux would have said it, but I just kept my mouth shut and sat down and drank my Pepsi. The next time you’re in Pamplona I can recommend this pizza. I thought all those little yellow things were slices of garlic, but it turns out it was corn. Never had corn on a pizza before. I don’t think that’s American. 🤪
I am now in my room with my shoes and socks off and my pajamas on. It’s only 5:45 PM but I have no intentions of going anywhere else today. I’ve got my window open so I can hear the city below and they can have a beautiful Saturday night, and I will sit here and listen to them enjoying it. Tomorrow I plan on exploring the city. I’ve seen the top of the church here in town and it is amazing. I hope to go to mass there sometime tomorrow morning. That is if I wake up tomorrow morning.
16.5 miles/31,604 steps. Right now the bathroom is about four steps away and that seems like a pretty fair distance.
Santiago: 438.74 miles to go.
Candle in a Cave 
I forgot to mention above… last night, I did spend some time with a few of the pilgrims that were staying at the hotel. An older couple was from Germany There was also a younger couple. she was from Hong Kong and he was from Australia. A lady from Sweden. And a fella from Oklahoma. The conversation was about places you’ve been, places you want to go, and the number of blisters that you have on your feet. I did not want to jinx myself, because so far, I have no blisters. Thank you very much!
watch out for the bulls as you wander around Pamplona
Will do. It would be fun if it were that time of year, although I don’t think I would be running with them.
All I can say is wow!
Sounds like a great day! I hope you told your Canadian friend what a fabulous tabletop curler you are.
She plays goalie on a hockey team. I think I would’ve gotten smacked! 🤣
Have you soaked your dogs in Epsom salt? Helped me when the kids took me to Disney in July. Hot Hot Hot But cooled the feet.
The next time I come across a tub I might just do that. Sounds wonderful.
Eat a banana to replace your potassium and drink lots of water. Helps to rid your body of lactic acid. And yes, stretch.
Bananas! Full of potassium! And lots of water to help get rid of the lactic acid. Flex your feet pressing your heels down and toes up to relieve cramps in your calves. You probably know this already! Blessings!
I discovered today that it’s more difficult taking a day off and it is walking every day. Still good to take a day off.