Day 4: Zubri to Pamplona

It didn´t rain! Finally was able to walk without any rain! Also, it wasn´t even cold when I set out for Pamplona. YAY!

I went through many small villages on the way. Many of them looked very old.

Within the first few minutes, I came upon some horses. One of them came right up to me (it might be because I had an apple), and she let me pet her. I did not give her my apple....I don´t think that her owner would have liked it very much.

The walkways varied from time to time. There were times that I was on gravel, then times when I was on pavement.

The view of the mountains, and the view from the mountains were breath taking!

Since it has rained for the past several days, the rivers and streams were high. This created some great waterfalls.

Here I am just a hiking away.....

About half way, my new pilgrim friend from Mexico and I stopped to fix our feet along with having some coffee.

I was able to take some pictures of various churches that I saw in these small towns

It is always a happy moment when you see the signs for your stopping point.

Just before entering Pamplona, I came upon a big city. I just about got lost! Thank goodness that they have marked the way at various points. If not, I don´t know where I would have been going. Several times some locals came to talk to me. The bad part is that I had no real clue what they were saying. I just smiled and said ¨si¨or ¨no¨. One sweet man was  really trying to tell me a short cut to the hostel, but I didn´t understand the directions. I tried to tell him nicely (in Spanish) that I was just going to follow the signs. I didn´t want to get lost in a HUGE city.

I was glad to finally make it to Pamplona. Here is the hostel, Jesus y Maria, that I stayed for the night.

This city is super neat! I could stay here for a couple of days to see everything.....but I won't. 

Pamplona is getting ready for the running of the bulls. The streets are buzzing with decor. 

Ate a spicy sausage tortilla. It was really good. As a side note...the gluten free chocolate chop cookies are terrible. 

By the end of the day, everyone is limping and walking funny....all of our muscles hurt! I, being real smart, decided not use my trekking poles for 2 hours. This has caused me some knee pain. Lesson learned--won't do that again. 

This is what 4 day Camino feet look like:

I just saw another place I need to fix....sigh. 

During the way today, I was able to take the time to meditate on various things. It´s just so nice to be able to be disconnected from everything. This experience already has been wonderful, and I know that it will get even better.

UPDATED Day 3: Roncesvellas to Zubri

I was just a little sore this morning. It wasn't raining when I started, but it ended up raining about an hour into the hike. At least when I ended up in Zubri, it was sunny and warm. As a general rule, it has been cold in the morning and evening. Therefore, I have made mental notes to bring a jacket and some gloves for next time.

Before leaving Roncesvellas, I got some coffee and an apple for breakfast. About 15 minutes down the road, I spotted a shop to get some food supplies. I was able to get some yogurt and fruit for the long journey. The yorgurt I shared with some fellow pilgrims. Then it was picture time to mark how far it was to Santiago. I don´t know what was up with the other stone sign from yesterday....

I found this on the trail, and thought it was interesting.

The view has been amazing. Lots of farming lands and many mountains to view. The beauty of the land is amazing. I tried to take pictures of the wonderful that I had along the way.

There were several towns that I passed. They looked just like those towns in the movies. I was able to get some snap shots of some of the local churches.

The flowers are just starting to come into blume. They are so pretty. Luckily, they are not bothering my allergies. Maybe due to all the Spanish honey that I have eaten.

These blue and yellow signs are life savers! Just when I think that I maybe going in the wrong direction, I see one of these bad boys!

Sometimes, I find random animals just wondering around.

I was so happy when I finally arrived! My feet were thanking me for stopping. There a couple of places that blisters are trying to appear. Once I got to my hostel and took a shower, I put some mole skin and tape on them. My poor toes are feeling a little better. Now I can´t speak for my muscles--they are ssssoooo sore.

The first hostel that I stopped at was full, so I had to go to the next one.

 The next one was cheap and had a kitchen! I met a Polish mother and daughter, and the daughter cooked for us. I was said that the food choices were limited due to the store had a SMALL selection. We had vegetable and chicken rice.

While I was at the store, I picked up some fruit and nuts for breakfast in the morning. Then it was off to the cafe for some coffee and a chat with some newly made friends.