Day 5 - Pamplona to Puenta la Reina - 25 km

I left Pamplona in the dark at 6:45. I didn't have an ounce of energy to listen to anymore complaints so, feeling just a little guilty, I left on my own. Felt like skipping without my backpack; well sort of. By the time I reached the outskirts of town it was starting to get light. I like walking on my own, meeting and talking with people along the way. French WAY out-numbers the English speakers here!
The towns in Spain are like something out of a storybook. The buildings are as white as white with clay roofs and red begonias in the window boxes. There's not a speck of garbage anywhere and the pride the residence have for their home is obvious everywhere.
At the top of the mountain Alto de Perdon are these well known Camino travellers from centuries ago.

Many people are in a great deal of pain now and limping from blisters. The boots I have are amazing (thank you MEC) and coupled with Smart Wool socks have protected me well. Serious stiffness is setting into my legs and hips and then heat is taking its toll on my head.
As I walk through towns of Uterga & Obanos toward Puenta la Reina I was plotting a plan to pick up my backpack from the monastery and to take a taxi to the top of the next mountain where there is another Albergue. I thought, Yes I'll be a 10 km Camino cheater. I walked into the Padre Reparadores and a good looking priest said, "Hola, 4 Euros". I paid him and was directed to my all female dormitory.