Pamplona and onward

I ended up not seeing the touristy sites of Pamplona, and it was strange to be in a city after a couple of days in the countryside. I met some Camino amigos for dinner….about 10 of us, and then I went back to my alberque for the night. It was a big hostel, but it was fine. There was an Italian man in the bunk next to me that told me that he was 77 years old, with throat cancer. Poor guy. Down the row from me, I had a French family, with their 3 young children (maybe 10-14 years old).Its indicative of the wide range of people on the Camino with me.

I had a 15 mile hike today on my next stage, and the weather report was for temps to get into the mid-70’s. Knowing that I would have a big hill climb today (up and over the ridge of wind turbines in the photos) I got up early and was on the Camino at 6am. It was a 7 1/2 hour walk, but as you can see in the pictures, I walked through beautiful fields where the crops are in their spring growth spurt. The scenery here is so beautiful. The town I am in is small-ish, and I could only find a private room, for 45 euros. After paying between 10-15 euros a night, it seemed like an extravagance…but then I considered, would I stay in a hotel in the states for around $50?…probably not. It feels like a luxury to have the room to myself. But I’ve been able to spread my stuff out and reorganize backpack. The place is simple but clean. And I really don’t feel that alone….the walls are so thin…if someone scratches themselves next door, I’m pretty sure I could hear them. Looking forward to a solitary nights sleep tonight. Tomorrow’s walk is a couple of kilometers shorter…I won’t say no to that. All for now.