9/10 Stage Five: Pamplona to Puenta la Reina & Alto de Perdon

Up and down another mountain. The Camino is busily training me. I had been dreading the rocky descent past the peak (Alto del Perdon) because it kicked my rear last time. However, this time, I didn’t find it so exhausting. At the bottom, I passed the bench where I’d stopped and stretched out last time ( wondering how I’d get up and continue the last 11 km). I wasn’t even tempted to sit for a bit.

Industrial area leaving Pamplona
Finally out of Pamplona
Up and up to Alto del Perdon
Stopped to visit with the two Danish women who were sitting on the side of the trail tending to their feet.
Lucy from Brazil. She was so excited to meet someone from Texas. No one has heard of Kansas, so unless the person has lived in the US, I just say I’m from Texas. Their response is the same every time: Ahhhhh! Texas!!
Chris, a videographer from Maine. Age 51. He took some excellent drone footage at Alto del Perdon. You can follow him on Instagram: JustWanderingChris
La Guardia Civil. They only serve pilgrims. They look after our safety and will help us if injured or distressed ( They do not rescue if we are only whining about sore feet. )
With Chris on Alto del Perdon

Church in the small village of Zariquiegui
Rocky descent from Alto del Perdon
The bench that saved my bacon in 2019. Had to stop for a moment and pay homage.
Onward to Puenta la Reina
Arrived! Puenta la Reina

Gusta la Opera

The Café Iruña, Pamplona is a historic venue. Mary had dinner there Wednesday evening with her new Camino friend, Ann.

It was that crowded when I was there in 2019 – not so in Covid times, but still busy. They have many outside tables, so people are not squished together, and they are not seating indoors.

September 12 Pamplona Rest Day


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 square
Hotel Tres Reyes
Hanging out with Papa. Hemingway that is. At the Café Iruña which is just on the north side of the Plaza del Castillo, Pamplona.
Cafe Iruña
I loved the open affection. Son and dad and mom.
Energy! Vibrant people.
And of course, a cathedral