The way of the Camino - you must go way down BEFORE you can go way up.

Total distance = 18 miles

Total ascent = 952 ft
Cumulative distance = 32 miles

Today was a real challenge. Not only did we have a very long way to walk but we had 3 steep climbs. We are two hurtin' peregrinos Americanos. But as our host said tonight, we haven't gotten strong yet.

We thought that after yesterday's slow slog through the rain, that we should start earlier for today's longer hike. However, after a conversation with last night's host, we decided we could start at 8. He told us that we did not need to climb as high, but he failed to consider that we had to walk 18 miles   So it was a very long day. The total climb listed above is maximum height, but the real climbing was much more - it was a roller coaster.

The morning started well. Sunny, and our bellies full with a nice potato omelet. Soon after it turned misty and then drizzly. We did see more animals today. Horses and lots of cows..

...and lots of cow pies. 

But shortly after lunch the sun came out again. For the most part we enjoyed the walk through quaint villages, shady lanes, over streams and by waterfalls.  

As we came into the town of Zubrii, we crossed a medieval bridge. It,s called puente de la Rabia. So called because of the legend that any animal led three times around the central arch would be cured of rabies. 

We had four steep climbs of moderate heights today, some on stamped concrete. And it just seemed like we had steep declines right before we had to climb steeply up again! 

We finally arrived at Hotel Akerreta around 7 this evening. A hot shower helped, but we're both pretty sore. Fortunately, tomorrow is a relatively short walk of 10 miles to Pamploma. Even better, Saturday is a "rest" day. No packs. We are touristas, not peregrinos.