I'm wondering if it really is so important to wear clean clothes everyday. After all, they're just going to get dirty again. This reminds me of my child's rationale for not making her bed as a child. The nice thing about this laundry room is I can sit on the toilet seat while I wash clothes. This advantage might not sound so special but I feel quite certain I could not stand to do it!

The walk from Pamplona to Puenta la Reina was tougher than I'd expected. There was a very steep section about halfway - maybe 45 minutes on either side of the highest point. Hard wind was in my face on the upslope and it was a bit chili. There is a long ridge at the top with large metal cutouts of people walking into the wind. Huge windmills are all along the ridge, and I feel quite sure if they'd add 2 more it would power the entire world!! Going down was equally steep and the trail was covered with lose rock. It was very precarious and really slowed my pace.

I hadn't eaten breakfast and was a bit concerned I wouldn't find anything along the way after there seemed to be nothing at the first town. I did find something and all was well. It took nearly 7.5 hours to walk 15 miles! That's an amazingly long time. I generally walk a bit better than 4 miles an hour when exercising and while practicing with my pack, about 3 miles. It should be noted that 7.5 hours was without a bathroom break!! I guess I should try to find out what the deal is. I asked when I purchased my lunch/snack but the clerk said no and to the church across the street too. I made it okay but was careful not to drink too much and that's not the best strategy.

So I splurged and checked into a private room in a hostel for the night. I debated all day - thinking I might stay in one of the albergues- which are generally barrack-style with a large room of bunk beds and shared kitchen and bath. As I arrived in Puenta le Reina today I encountered a couple of young girls I'd met earlier along the trail. The girls were excited they'd found an albergue for €5, and I felt a bit guilty about my private room that cost €40 until I opened the door and saw it! Oh well...

Tomorrow I'm on to Estella. I hope my legs work!!