Left pension early in good weather so no waterproofs for 1st time. Stopped for coffee in mountain village and met 3 people who we had great fun with so we hope to meet up again en route to Santiago. Did not know what to expect with Pamplona but it was beautiful . The entrance through the castle walls was very atmospheric but no bulls in sight. Carried on to small suburb and with no other options available are staying in a new 4* Marriott for 50€. Very good but...

Went to local bar last night and a man came up to me and ' Hi I'm Randy' I said I was not. He turned out to be a friendly chap from states with his wife so we had supper with them and a Swiss girl who had walked here from Basel! Today woke to more rain so trudged off with hoards of pilgrims from Ronsonvalles which is main starting point on the camino for the Spanish. There is so much mud on the paths the poles were invaluable especially sliding down about 1500f...

Survived our 1st night in an albergue helped on by bottle of Marques de Caceres and the success of the ear plugs. Left 8.15 in fair weather & managed the climb making Ronsonvalles for lunch. Spurred on by a large ciento tres brandy we decided to walk to next next village of Burguete so missing the delights of another albergue with up to 120 pilgrims in one room. Have booked into small hotel with decent room so the right decision. No rain today but cold and wi...

Big thunderstorm all night did not bode well for our planned start. Left at 0730 in pouring rain which never stopped so cut our losses and are staying in Valcarlos - the original one horse border town.Our 1st albergue experience with only 10 in our dorm. We will be sleeping in bunk beds with muggins on top. Can't complain at 10euros a night b&b. Need to prepare for 2500ft climb tomorrow to Ronsonvalles so will be early to bed with our new friends from Holland...