I got to the alburge last night and couldn’t sleep. I don’t know if it was my pillow or ear plugs, or my mind, but the sound of my beating heart kept me up most of the night. I might have got 5 hours of sleep. Only after I put in my headphones and listened to a podcast could I go to sleep. I think that’ll be every night this trip. Now I’m waiting for breakfast, watching the other hikers with their smaller packs. I was also told the Napoleon road is closed, so I may have to go the alternate route.
This was absolutely the toughest physical thing I’ve done in my entire life. I walked over 16 miles, gained over 3,000 feet in altitude, and carried a 44 pound pack with me.
I took the Valcarlos route. I met up with a father and son from the states, Dave and Justin. Also walked with a Dutchman, Eric, for most of the way. At the end my pack was getting heavy. I had about twice the weight of others in the trail. Tomorrow I will ship some items to myself in Burgos to lighten the load. I came prepared to be able to camp for several days if required, but it isn’t allowed. I’ll be sending my tarps, flashlights, tent stakes, cord, some food, some hats, possibly a jacket, sleeping bag pad, lighter, Leatherman, anti chafing powder, and my heavy laptop, charger, and mouse. That should cut down on a noticable amount of weight.
