Bucket List ✅

The discussion the first nite went something like “I’ve always wanted to...... “
And “we are so close to xxx country so why don’t we ....”
The plan was hatched!
Paris France
Normandy
Munich Germany
Dachau
Rome Italy
Oh the things we’ve seen
Eiffel Tower/Palace of Versailles/Louvre/Notre Dame/Normandy D-Day
Duchau Concentration Camp/Neuschwanstein Castle

The Grandkids are Here!

And it’s shaping up to be a doozie. We finished day one in fine style but by 10:00 the youngins had us going in a different direction. Out of Spain! We conquered the Pyrenees. Now we’re off to Paris for a couple days, Normandy Beach for a day, Munich  for two days and Rome for two days. Oh what an adventure!

Camino 2019

I managed to leave my coin purse behind twice, my walking sticks once and phone once. All were retrieved. I had another child for a moment. Some guy from Denmark at refugio in Zubiri thought Twyla was my daughter. I found a house for sale on the Camino that would make a lovely getaway but never figured out how much. Gorgeous balcony and view. Estate looking.  I figured out my tattoo. It’s gonna be a yellow butterfly and a beatle bug. On my foot. The check-in clerk at Tres Reyes Hotel in Pamplona said “oh your luggage was transported “. I said “sort of”....if you call shopping totes stuffed with clothes luggage! I was given bottom bunks all the time. But the best was at F&G Hotel in Logrono when I asked if they have laundry service. I brought our dirty clothes down in the hotel laundry bag (filled to the brim). The clerk needs to work on his poker face. He was very surprised to be handed it. He got out the word “wash?”. I said yes and we would like it for 2 the next day. 34 euros later! Dry cleaning prices for sure.

Twyla is a real bad-ass Camino pilgrim. She did multiple “death marches” and always was ready and willing to continue down the path. The days in France were wonderful and the Camino day’s were agony and ecstasy. The Running of the Bulls was thrilling. All in all a Buen Camino. Thanks Twyla!

It’s So Wrong

Paradores 

But so right

Final Walk Before Big (Non-Walking) Finish

The days have melted together but the body records every step. A short day ended at Don Jacobo’s vineyards and a chilling bottle of same. Another delightful albergue.

Tonight we feast on wine/cheese/crackers/avocadosin Navarette. Then off to the Parador at Santo Domingo de la Cazada and then to Burgos to catch a ride to the airport.

It Ain’t No Thinkin Think/Left Brain Right Brain/It Goes A Little Deeper Than That

The Camino has layers I’m thinking. Sky/road/feet/soul
It’s an equalizer for sure.

I was going to write my list of you knows but too much wine today and too little eye works.

Rose meets wine. Cheers!

Why?

It occurred to me today.
I don’t know.
A little of this. A little of that.
Then this.
Ahhhhh

Break Time

I’m hold up in a hostel this afternoon. Taking a break from fun in the sun.  Seems like my Fitbit has been doing that all along. Day 1 we went 6 miles straight up (155 floors). Active minutes ZERO! Day 2 from Orisson to Roncesvalles 14 miles/207 floors/full day. Active minutes 145. Day 3 and 4 walking from dawn to exhaustion. You guessed it. A whopping 3+ hours of activity each day. Maybe it’s getting old. I definitely get that.

Sometimes you’re the windshield 

Sometimes you’re the bug

I feel like the bug today

Siesta Day/Friyay!

With Jose’s cafe con leche and oj we Camino’ed to Estella. And a lovely hostel with private rooms and baths. And air conditioners. I took a 2 hour siesta.

Jose Ramone

The albergue in Lorca has no equal. Bravo Jose! We love you. Tomorrow morning he will make us cafe con leche.

He is doing well. 43 now. Married/no children. They will be building a house this winter in the next town. His parents live in Los Arcos but that is too far of a commute. 

Oh! Oh!

I got a blister! 

On my nose.....

Pamplona was absolutely crazy with Spaniards enjoying San Fermin (Running of the Bulls). We went to the morning run and the evening fight. Cultural experience to the n’th degree.

I slept thru the nite. Missed the best fireworks ever and a party out in the street. Weather has been great.

Churchs

I thought I’d get the poke my head in one out of the way. Chose a little country church (I thought). And the door was half way open (the upper part).
NO BUENO
A dog leaped up from the other side and scared the livin bageebees our of me. His leap fell short of my face.
It wasn’t a church. It was someone’s home. The thing above the door is St Benedictine. Here’s a house down the road that has the “thing” above the door.
Done with churchs again.

So Far So Good

St Jean Pied-de-Port showed her small town charm our last day as vacationers. As we were heading for supper a lady passing by had a very animated conversation with Twyla. She wanted us to know the coin purse I left behind at the post office was there for us. But Twyla couldn’t explain we already picked it up. I discovered the problem, retraced my steps, rapped on the just closed post office door to have it unlocked by the janitor. The postal clerk “saved” it for me.
Our first Camino day gave us beautiful views and live music. A fellow pilgrim who we think is a retired opera singer sang songs. I video taped two. Brought tears to many eyes.
Our second day followed a sleepless nite.Stuffy hot room and hard mattresses. But the walk went very well. Very foggy to start but cleared off.Arrived at Roncesvalles at 5. Supper at 6 with sea bass and steak. Twyla said it was the best steak she’s had in a long time. The sea bass equalled Chef Laura’s. We are getting a good nights rest. Buen Camino

OMG LOS He’s Here!

That guy from England that wanted us to stay in that abandoned building with no locks. Same loud voice. Always talking talking talking. Know it all. And a white van is in the parking lot here in Orisson. I just heard him say he’s in Spain 3months.

Think Rose. Think

As we were saying our goodbyes to dear Pierre I asked “do you have special plans for the weekend “.

His eyes told me he was dumbfounded. “Pamplona! The opening ceremonies”. The first day went very well.
My training has paid off. I now do hills without stopping. I am tickled pink. Twyla is doing excellent. She made it in great shape.

Much To Do

We never made it to the sea. Front or end. It’s fitting. Laundry/post office/hiking store/art gallery/final supper. My ornery knee is being nice. We are ready.

We’re doing this!!!! Perfect weather.

Best ice cream ever.  Caramel with coffee flavor. It was hard eating it while Twyla had to wait forever for hers. But I pushed thru.

Tomorrow the Sea

We go to St Jean-de-Lux tomorrow. Then head out for Orisson on Friday. Packs have been adjusted. We ship clothes tomorrow. Our feet will fly the packs are so light. But just to make it interesting I got a knee bandage and cream. Liz did it so I thought I would to. RICE!!!!! All good vibes and positive energy are going to my body. I’ll guarantee you this time I won’t like downhill. Rowan didn’t so I thought I would too. We will lose WiFi probably for a day or two. Peonies and posting don’t mix. We are so very excited to start. The weather looks great.

Bayonne

Bag-lady look

I do it well in Olathe so I thought I’d try it in St Jean Pied-de-Port

But on a much serious note. IF NECESSARY (slim chance I know)  I have found the next “He’s The One Until He’s Not” cutie patootie. His family owns Orisson and Villa Harriet. He is 26 and available. Grandma approved. I have done all the necessary prying and probing. If I have offended any B’s in the world I apologize. But in my defense making 16,000 bottles of wine in a winery you built catches any Grandma’s attention!

We made it! Our first pilgrim sighting