Having made the big push to Larrasoana yesterday, I have a fairly short walk to Pamplona. I’ve booked into an actual hotel in Pamplona, so I have a fairly relaxed day ahead of me. However, the albergue kicks everyone out at 8am, so… We looked out the window and were dismayed at the terrible weather until one of the ladies opted to actually open the window. At that point we realized what we thought was fog was actually condensation on the INSIDE of the window due to all of our wet clothes. I opted not to put on my poncho this morning because the weather looks so improved. That said, it’s a chilly start to the day. And jamming me feet into mud encrusted wet boots is not my absolute favorite thing.
There really isn’t much for breakfast in Larrasoana, and I want to get a few miles behind me before I eat anyway. I end up stopping in the next town (cross roads really) and meet up with the two Annies from the night before. I have my first tortilla of the trip and it’s fabulous. I will do well if they are all this tasty!
I am nearly overcome with emotion a couple of times this morning. The views are just so indescribably incredible. I’m guessing it’s in part because of the challenge of the past few days, but I’m really excited at the possibility that this will continue for much of the journey.
The journey today is mostly downhill, which is a welcome respite from the not downhill of the past few days. I have to go thru a pedestrian tunnel right before an uphill and I’m treated to this character –
Just before Pamplona is La Trinidad de Arre. While this is the start of the Pamplona outskirts, the entrance is so beautiful. I took a pause on the bridge just to enjoy the view.
The woods are falling away as we continue, so I see Pamplona well before I reach it. I am staying in the old city, so I have a bit of a hike to finish out today’s journey. I have to give the desk clerk at the hotel credit; she didn’t even pause when the muddy, stinky person before her stated they had a reservation.
First order of business is to shower until my fingers prune. Then I need to find stamps, and hopefully replace my missing trekking gloves. I’m much more hopeful on the stamps front. I’m here for two nights though so I expect to be able accomplish most of my ‘town’ tasks.
Leave a Reply