The “Meddy Day!” Pilgrim from France on the left. The fellow on the right is from the Netherlands.I couldn’t face the stairs to climb to the village at the end of the day, so sat there for an hour to rest and get my courage up. It was a hot day. And I was a hot Day.Potter. Navarrete is known for its pottery
photo from Dana Ballentine, who has walked three Caminos and is planning her fourth. She’s my Camino mentor and lives close to me in Kansas. The photo is of a fellow she met on the Le Puy Camino in France who evidently started the same route I’m on a couple of days behind me. She also sent him a photo of me. On one of my many photo pauses, I hear a man behind me- Meddy Day! Meddy Day! Lo and behold, there was the guy whose photo I’ve been carrying for nearly a week!
The only morning I left before light. Won’t carry that headlamp again!The wine fountain – that way —>Wine on the left and water on the right. I didn’t see anyone go for the water! Igúzquiza – Those villages always looked closer than they were. Especially when I was hot and thirsty. Ready to put my feet up and sip on that cold Coca-Cola (with 3 ice cubes and a slice of lemon)A hot and dusty dayWe were grateful to come across this shelter. Boots and socks off! Water. Nectarine. A quick lie-down on that concrete slab. Heaven.A village with a bar (market/cafe) was usually pretty close. I stopped at every one! Villamayor de MonjardinLos Arcos. A little rainfall, but it didn’t last longPilgrims! We find each other along the way. Over and over. Good to catch up with Evie and Kim this day.Los Arcos. Evening. Ordering dinner and dodging raindropsDinner! And John noticed – no cheese! Mary and Harriet
Leaving Puente la Reina (boots are getting dusty)Puente la ReinaThe bridge over the Rio Arga coming into Puente la Reina. The Queen’s Bridge 11th centuryWe share the path with cyclists. We always hope they let us know when they are approaching!EstellaAlways a sign!To bed at last!
It’s going to be a long hike today with one notable hill to climb… and descend.
Stay tuned for updates.
Good-bye Pamplona!Cizur – Not every section is a glorious mountain and forest pathCizur – Plenty of rocky paths.ObanosAlto de Perdón – That’s me on the far left.Obanos
This is Pamplona. Notice, there is no trash on the street. Recycling bins are actually used by pedestrians. Except for that beer bottle by the tree…
Mary and Papa Hemingway Hanging out in the squareHotel Tres ReyesHanging out with Papa. Hemingway that is. At the Café Iruña which is just on the north side of the Plaza del Castillo, Pamplona.Cafe IruñaI loved the open affection. Son and dad and mom.Energy! Vibrant people.And of course, a cathedral
[Note: Some of these posts, including this one, are being edited by husband John back in Kansas City. Putting these things together in a meaningful way is somewhat difficult using only a phone. John has offered to serve as an editor as Mary continues to hike, take pictures, do laundry, eat, and all the rest… He is making an attempt to put the posts in chronological order, so you may see some new posts further down the page.]
The map to the right outlines the hike taken from Casa Elita, in Larrasoana, Spain to Pamplona, a little over 15 kilometers.
To convert kilometers to miles, multiply by 5/8ths – gets you close enough…
The plan is to spend a couple of days at the Hotel Tres Reyes (Three Kings) and do some sight seeing. This town was a hang-out of Ernest Hemingway in the early 1920s where he wrote, The Sun Also Rises.
The path to the hotel passes the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona where bulls fights still occur.
Leaving LarrasoañaEsteribar The wall art is incredible all along the way.Always a welcome sight! These folks along the path with refreshments for sale.Up. Esteribar. Villava
A little rain but a good day for a walk.Our host. A beautiful stay.EsteribarTime for coffee!Dining in ViscarretPotable water is available all along the way. Esteribar
Start of a long day. Over the mountain and through the woods.Frequent traffic jams! (or Sheep jams)Forest walking on the downhill to RoncesvallesCrossing the PyreneesMountain mementos. The white and red stripes mark the way while in FranceArriving after a long day’s mountain crossing