Camino Frances Journal – Day 11

A glimpse into the journal I kept for all 38 days on the Camino Frances, including up to 10 photos (not necessarily the best pictures but more that they represent that day in some particular way). Today is day 11 – May 1^st. Navarette to Azorfa

We got up as usual, got ready, said goodbye to a fellow lodger at the albergue as she was staying behind (something gave way in her knee and now she can’t walk anymore – waiting for the doctor), had breakfast of pan tostada and chocolate (which is never as hot as I would like), and we made our way to the Camino. On our way out of town, Robin tripped, fell, and broke her arm. Her greatest fear (falling) came true with the worst possible outcome. Small mercies, though – the accident happened in the town and in front of a local complete with cell phone and car. He bundled us into his car (which had a rifle) and drove us the two minutes to the health centre. The nurse on duty was the same one as last night with the sick girl. Robin was saying she was fine – while her arm was a bit numb, she could move her fingers, she said. But once we got her jacket off, we saw through her long sleeved shirt that the arm was badly broken by the elbow. She had to go to the hospital back in Logroño as this injury was too complicated for the health centre. Robin insisted I continue walking – I was torn. In the end, the nurse and I bundled her into a taxi and Robin went to the hospital and I continued the Camino. …

My first day walking alone – I had intended to walk alone when I was planning for the Camino but for the past 9 days, I ended up walking with Robin. Walking with someone means you can have conversation if you want it or not, have a purpose outside of yourself (keep up!), someone to watch your bag while you go to the bathroom, someone to take your photo if you so choose, etc. But being alone is also awesome – no responsibility to anyone, can stop and start when you want, and solitude. Knowing myself, I won’t hook up with anyone else on this Camino. Don’t think I’m destined to have the “Camino family” pilgrims talk about. …

Walking through the city of Najera was stressful – it was so crowded! Probably not more so than other cities but I’m getting used to the countryside and little town feelings. Bigger cities will only be more stressful as I continue, I think. …

5.8km to Azorfa, through fields of grape vines. A mountain range still looms in the background, gorgeous with the snowy mountains, the green and red fields, and the dark skies. …

Laundry machines, both wash and dry, available for ONE euro!! …

Found a place for dinner by 6:40 and was able to get food right away. Definitely a family run place. My entertainment was listening to two locals chatting away, one sounding like he’s smoked his whole 80 something years. …