Today we were lazy and didn’t get out of bed until 6:30. It was nice to sleep in, but the primary reason we lounged about until so late was due to the hostel offering a breakfast buffet. All of us are running a calorie deficit, so we thought it would be worth waiting around until the buffet opened at 7.
We headed down to the buffet as the opened and ate like savages. by 7:30 we were back in the room packing up and we hit the trail by 7:45. The sun was already somewhat intense, and the normal coolness of the air we normally experience the first few miles of our hike was already gone.
I had a rough nights sleep. Emotions on the trail are very raw. I have found, as you remove yourself from your layers of protections, your home, variety of clothes, friends, routines, etc, you are more vulnerable. When you are vulnerable, you see more things as a threat and react accordingly. Things that would normally be benign or a joke you take way to personally. I had an instance of that last night before bed. Fortunately I was able to talk through the situation and realize I way over reacting.
Even with my apologies and regret, the tone for my sleep had been set. As a result, I experienced a couple very disturbing dreams involving a couple of close friends. So my sleep was restless and interrupted.
When I woke up, I felt very confrontational and took a couple of comments from my fellow travelers the wrong way. Fortunately I had learned my lesson from last night and didn’t lash out at them. I kept my mouth shut because i knew it was my issue, not theirs to deal with today.
Again, their comments would normally be taken as benign, but coupled with being worn out, homesick and already on edge, I blew them way out of proportion. After pondering on them for a good 2 hours, and walking the anger away, I started to feel better. He can be taught!
Emotional maturity is hard work!
Today we were all pretty sore. Our feet are feeling the effects of 70 miles of walking. We were all rather quiet today. Basically, the honeymoon is over. The work of hiking the Camino has begun. We are no longer floating along on adrenaline and excitement. Let the growth begin!
Our walk today took us through the rolling hills of wheat, oats and vineyards. I can’t get over the villages in Spanish countryside.
The temperature rose quickly. We came to a church built in 1062. A 950 year old building. You don’t see that every day. the building is in an amazing state of repair considering its age. It is not a currently active church, but someone is keeping it reasonably maintained. The timbers supporting the roof appear to be almost brand new and must have been replaced in the last 10 years.
950 years old!
The miles were difficult. We all couldn’t wait to get into Estella and find a hostel. The last 2 miles seemed to take forever, but we finally arrived. Once again we ended up with a private room that sleeps 3. Definitely not a bad deal.
We found our way back to an Italian restaurant we passed on the way to our hostel. T&M both had pizza. I ordered an Antipasto and spaghetti a la chicken carbonara. Quite delicious.
We returned to the room where we each participated in the torture of ice bath for our feet. This afternoon we are just lounging about with our feet up. We’ve walked enough today.
Ice baths are fun! 
All and all for 5 days in with 70+ miles on our feet, we are fairing well. One day at a time and tomorrow is another day.
Buen Camino.
Walk 