Blogs from Pamplona, Navarre, Spain, Europe - page 5

Well today was pretty tough for Fiona who hobbled all the way to Pamplona in a lot of pain. At this stage we are firmly ignoring all medical advice and using drugs to keep her going. Thankfully today just the one dose. Father Ken also travelling with us had some too, as did one of the couple we travelled with by cab to St Jean on Monday. Only the Scandinavians seem to do the Camino with no ailments. One guy went past so fast we did not even get the chance to say "buen Camino". There was no doubt of his lineage - at least six foot three and blond. The comment of the day went to a 22 year old German - Sebastian - who started his walk in Munich -yes the Munich in Germany ... read more

On a beautiful sunny day there are few better sights than a glorious lake, fields of wild flowers and a sky full of twittering birds. Luckily Mother Nature smiled on us and we were able to get down to the laguna at Pitillas without seeing a cloud in the sky. We arrived on the day of the "Fiesta del Agua" which we assumed would mean activities and people, but the visitors' centre was closed for the occasion unless you had pre-booked a guided visit which was a bit of a shame. Nevertheless, we had a great time walking around some of the lake. The winter rains have left many of the footpaths completely flooded and we had to be brave and imaginative at times to continue our walk. ... read more

Route: Roncesvalles - Aquerreta (or Akerreta in Basque) Starting the day, I am confronted with a sign that put in perspective what I am trying to accomplish: Santiago de Compostela 790 km..... Interesting is to observe how everything here in Basque country is in double language. The Basque language does not sound nor looks like spanish. Under way, fortunately everybody understands Spanish. A long day with very nice weather. I walked 29 km in about 7 hours and am now in the hotel en Akeretta where they filmed "The Way". I did not get the Martin Sheene room, but than again you can not have it all. We are staying here just 2 people: Paul Lynn (an american) and myself. A somewhat hilly territory we passed through today. Although we lowered from about 900 to 600, ... read more

Spain via the less travelled route. Camped beneath the white cliffs at Folkstone on 7th September we were looking forward to some proper summer weather and a bit of scenery in Northern Spain whilst the weather might be still be ok and the crowds hopefully have gone back to school/work etc. Arriving at St.Valery en Caux only to find the Aire packed with no space at all yet again(couldn’t get a space in June either), we went back to Veule les Roses just 10 minutes along the coast. Weather was great and a couple of days were spent walking the cliffs and beach before heading south. One night stays at Broglie, La Suze sur Sarthe, Turquant, St.Jean de Angeley and a really quaint hamlet called Laas which is in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Our vital ... read more

Sept 8 we travelled 22 kms.Left at 8:30 and arrived 3:30,last 4 kms killed us.The paths were good,through forests,over hills,and through a few little towns.The flowers growing on the side of the paths are amazing and from the looks of the rose hips we missed hundreds of rose bushes. Looking for our hotel we found another one,Hotel Yoldi.The room had everything but would only fit one person,so we had ajoining rooms,needless to say Aiden enjoyed spreading everything out.Interesting city,we had 2 days of watching how people spend their time.We sat at a cafe in this huge square and vans showed up and offloaded and entire orchestra.What an evening!Everyone sits facing the square,watching everyone else.They sip wine,cafe or a cocktail,but nobody eats.Finally about 8:30 food started,and worth the wait.No way we are losing weight. Sept 10,feeling well ... read more