Yesterday night after a fantastic pilgrim lunch I tucked into my lovely silk liner and froze to death. Unfortunately the bargain basement 6 euro charge did not include any blankets! On top of this my head was about 2 metres from the toilet entrance, a facility used by 16 men and women all sleeping on the same floor. To my inexperience this was the height of roughing it. Everyone including myself used the toilet that night, together with the snoring opera and people waking up at 4 30am I reckon I got a max of 2 hours sleep.
Still, after the usual sorting out I set off for el camino around 7 am. It was a truly beautiful sunny morning with a light mist hugging the sky.
The route to Pamplona seemed to follow the river Argo,which in many places was gushing like a demon. There were weirs and waterfalls a plenty and to be honest, apart from the houses the area was not that dissimilar to the walk to Maisemore. Bumped into Mark from Canada and later the Aussie sisters and Mia from Finland. About 2 hours into the walk I heard 'adowline', ie Adeline with a Brazilian accent. It was Daniel, whom I first met in St Jean and hadn't seen for 2 days. He was in a great deal if pain and walking like a snail his knee had caved in. I later discovered that it might be something to do with his 15 kg back pack. I decided to keep him company til Pamplona.
The Camino pilgrim comes in all sizes ages and genders. I have come across 2 fathers travelling with their daughter, one all the way from Philadelphia USA. Also a young 20 year old from Minasota, who really reminds me of my son. Come to think of it, both of my children would really enjoy el Camino and I am going to encourage them to do it.
The aubergue in Pamplona is in the old town right by the cathedral. In fact it is actually in what once was part of it.
Most of you know what Pamplona is famous for. Please see photo