Blogs from Navarre, Spain, Europe - page 12

The past two days and over 30 miles have been difficult but very blesed ones. We left St. Jean at 7:30am to cross the Pyrenees to Roncevalles. We arrived 8 hours later after sloggy thru drastic uphill and downhills, pouring rain, sleet, blasting wind and life sucking mud. Today we headed out for Zubiri with the sun today, but still climbs and decents, but this time extremely soar muscles from the day before. Today we walked almost the same distance but in 5 hours! Sooo many trials and so many blessings, but insufficient time to share here as I have to get to the hostel before the doors close for the night. I was blessed by new friends new friends from all over the world, amazing scenery, and great walks and talks with God! Also the ... read more

Saturday was a glorious day. The sun was shining and the Factor 30 came out of the cupboard. We didn't want to leave Pamplona without climbing its nearest mountain (or is it a hill - who knows!!). San Cristobal looms large to the north of the city and when approaching from the Bilbao/Vitoria road that's how you know you have arrived. Atop you can always see the radio masts except for when low cloud obscures the view and we have seen it covered in snow more than probably any other short term visitor!! It is possible to drive all the way to the top. We decided to make the most of the good weather and walk all the way. First though, we parked at Ansoain old town and walked up to its church which is currently ... read more

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

Towards the end of last year Trish was given the opportunity to be an "extra" in a film. You should be able to see The Counselor before the end of this year. Her scenes were shot in the desert of the Bardenas Reales and since then we have wanted to go and explore the area a little. Staying in Tudela gave us the perfect opportunity. We set off after breakfast and headed straight to the southern section of the national park. On the maps a road was marked which we could drive up to a spot from where we could do a nice walk. The road was a track and very rough at times. Luckily we have been on such roads before and know how to drive on them. Even so, we would rather have had ... read more