Snow, Rain and Mud, Oh My!

We woke up today to a dusting of snow on the ground.

Happy trees.

It wasn't actually that much colder and was quite pretty. We had a 22 kilometer walk ahead of us, all through the rain. It rained all day with no reprieve. I was decided that each day is good if you decide it will be and chose to have an attitude of gratitude. I am grateful for dry socks and a good poncho. Though after taking a break halfway through at a cafe and sitting by the fire, the wind and rain seemed that much colder when I resumed. And 3 miles from Pamplona my socks got wet. Still I pressed on and focused on the positive.

It was a little strange once I arrived at the city before Pamplona. After walking through the forest and mountains it was a bit odd to be walking through the city streets with people going about their regular day. I felt like The Hunchback of Notre Dame traipsing around dragging my walking stick.

I arrived at the German albergue and made the mistake of telling the proprietor that I spoke a little German. Her idea of "a little" and mine are vastly different. She looks expectantly as I catch every fifth word (if that). She is nice and gave me clothes to wear as she does my laundry since - guess what?!  - my backpack has not arrived! They're going to make an exception and let me stay here another night since I told them that I'm taking tomorrow off to see Pamplona. Fingers are crossed that I will have meine rucksack manana. (Yes, my brain is a hodgepodge of German and Spanish.)

Pilgrim friends ordering dinner last night.

I'm not sure if I'll see the friends I made the first few days again or not. Since it's a larger city, there are more albergue options. I also don't know if anyone else is taking the day off. So I will join another group of pilgrims on Wednesday!