5 April Pamplona to Puente La Reina 24 kms

Our day starts at 7 walking from Pamplona to Puente La Reina. We hope to find coffee for David before leaving Pamplona. Okay for the rest of us too.  

Our first stop was at Cizur Menor and alas there was no coffee or any cafe open. So we sat and rested and had a breakfast bar. And on we went to Zariquiequi. 

On the way out of Cizur Menor a gentleman from Australia wished us a Buen Camino and a Happy Easter. 

And then said, “although it doesn’t feel much like Easter.” To which I replied, “well the sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day, there are opportunities all around and hope springs eternal!” He laughed and said, “you are right. It does feel like Easter!”

Thankfully the church, the tienda and the little cafe were open. After snacks, drinks, stamps, and rest it was time to tackle Alto del Perdon. 

We made it to the top and it wasn’t as windy as it usually is. The vistas were absolutely beautiful. We could see the rapeseed blooming yellow and look another direction and see snow on the mountains. 

The descent down from Alto del Perdon is never easy even with the work they have done. For 1.2 kms it’s a 34% descent. Tough on knees and feet. For me today it was the feet. And yet always nice to look back at from where you have come.

Our next stop was in Uterga where we had lunch. It was a much needed rest break. We met a lovely lady named Ann from Australia. 

We made it to Puente La Reina. Tired, hot and ready to relax. 

And the words I said to the gentleman still ring true for me, even though my feet hurt and I am very tired…it was a beautiful day, full of opportunities and hope springs eternal!!

Pre-camino travel by car (Toulouse to Pamplona)

4 April-David and Heleen are on their way to Toulouse. After picking them up we will head to Pamplona. Well, we had to wait because there was some sort of delay with luggage. But finally were greeted with their smiling faces and warm hugs. 

Four and a half hours driving to Pamplona. Good conversations and laughter most of the way. The stress of the day had melted away quickly!!

Driving into the Pyrenees is always an awe-some experience!!!

We navigated little obstacles with ease, patience, and peace. 

Key lesson: have fun and stay calm!!!

Another Adventure

3 April We left our very comfortable accommodations in Toufailles, France. Jeanette and David were lovely hosts. And the environment was extraordinarily beautiful. 

We enjoyed meals, hiking, hot tubbing, walking. We saw beautiful landscapes and encountered many animals-mostly dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, deer, birds of all varieties, including woodpeckers and partridges. 

We are looking forward to our next adventure with a short camino with Noël’s nephew David and his wife Heleen. We pick them up at the airport in Toulouse and head to Pamplona.