Today´s walk went well. Another 22k, from Pamplona to Punto de Reina, with no major problems, in fact no problems at all. There was mud, but my gaiters came into their own and stopped it going over my ankles. It was a cool morning, climbing up to the wind turbines on the ridge overlooking the city, and it was tough on the knees coming down the other side. I was amused to see some abandoned gents underpants on a rock at the side of the path, I guess the wet chafing was too much to bear for someone.
I am absolutely astonished by the quality of this albergue. its in the basement of an hotel, but that simply does not do it justice. I´m sitting in one of two lounges, fitted out with comfortable sofas, plus this computer (1€ for 30 minutes), and a large flatscreen TV. There is a kitchen with plenty of seating, and laundry facilities as well. The showers - 3 male 3 female )I presume) are of a type and quality that wouldn´t disgrace a good sports centre, you certainly won´t get the multi-head wash in a normal hotel room. There are tow dormitories, with about 30 beds in each, but divided up into bays of 4 bunks by using rattan-type screens. the decor is very modern. All this for 6€ a night! The pilgrims menu tonight is a 10€ buffet, and that includes wine, and its a 4€ breakfast in the moorning. I don´t expect this quality elsewhere.
I´m not aching too much, but I´m glad to have eaten some of my supplies at lunchtime, it´ll make for lighter walking in the morning.