Blogs from Roncesvalles, Navarre, Spain, Europe - page 3

Early Start Given that I was now about five or so kilometres behind schedule, I decided I would get an early start for Pamplona from Zubiri. That wasn´t as much of a mistake as not stopping at Larrasoana for desayuno. There seemed to be plenty of places along the way that would have something open. Not so. It wasn´t until Arre de Trinidad at nearly 1:30pm that I actually got to have something to eat! Was just a bit peckish. Travelling Companions I will fill in some of the details later, but given the nature of the Camino, I thought that I might tell you about who I met along the way. This might need some revision of previous entries, but I am sure you will cope with that. Today was more interesting because I walked ... read more

Disorientation I know I do it - I think the sun is in the north. Its the natural place for it to be, isn´t it? So I had a rough start to what was going to be a long day and added between four and five kilometres by going north, back into France, instead of South, on to Spain. The climb Route Valcarlos may not appear to have the climb that you get from Route Napoleon, but by the time one has crossed the river and climbed up and down ridges, it must be going close. Soon I began to regret every downward slope, knowing that whatever small elevation change there was would have to be recovered. The route map I had been given the previous evening carefully avoided too much of the detail. The route ... read more

Camino de Santiago 1st - 25th June, 2008 What is the Fountain of Wine? More about that later! Buen Camino means Good Camino - pilgrims will often say it to other pilgrims, wishing you a good journey/good walk on the Camino de Santiago trail. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James is a 783km pilgrimage route accross northern Spain. The route passes through the regions of Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla and Gailicia and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Back in the 9th centuary a religious hermit followed a mysterious shining star which led him to the remains of the apostle James(known as Santiago in Spanish) the Greater. Scallop shells are worn by pilgrims on the journey to Santiago de Compostela. St. James wore scallop shells on his hat and tunic and ... read more