Day 9: Pamplona - Zariquiegui (4/09/14)

The next morning, the decision was made that I would continue on my own...

Mary wanted to stay in Pamplona for additional sight seeing - 

and, while I was willing to stay and poke around a little longer,  

I was eager to get out of town and back on the 'real' Camino.

As I said earlier, there's no right or wrong way to do this. 

We each find what works for us.

Since I left town mid-morning

and since spring/going into summer was now apparent,

my pace was very leisurely

(alright, it was slow),

but I just couldn't muster up a compelling reason to speed through the day.

So I didn't...

I watched spring unfold.

First on the path -

 (although some venues clearly didn't get the 'spring' memo)

and then in the courtyard of an ancient church

feeling a soft wind on my face

(and my legs cramping - but no one ever said it would all be perfect!)

while listening to bees buzzing,

and birds singing.

It was one of those rare Camino days 

in which I was simply happy to be where I was.

There was nothing I needed to prove, 

or do, 

or accomplish -

beyond paying attention -

and being grateful.

THAT I can do.

It was a lovely day.