May 24, 2013 - Dos días caminando

Quick note: started in Roncesvalles on Wednesday with freezing rain and wind. Nice stay in the albergue there. Up early to get going to Larrasoaña, 28 km. More rain and some steep climbs on muddy trails, but all in all, a great first day walking. Today from Larrasoaña, after a cold night in a damp albergue, a 20.4 km walk to Cizur Menor, just west of Pamplona. Sun came out for first time in 4-5 days this afternoon, so we pilgrims are happy! ¡Buenas tardes!

Jul 9, 2012 - Pamplona

We took a night train from Lisbon into Pamplona. it was a 13 hr train ride which was not fun. And unfortuantely Crystal didnt sleep as well as Sarah did. We arrived at a train station an hour outside of Pamplona at 4:45am, and had to wait 3 hrs until 7:50am for our next train. That was a terrible wait. We finally got to Pamplona and found our hostel. When we got there, I kid you not, everyone and I mean everyone, was wearing all white and red. So we promptly bought our white and red, to blend in. We went to the opening ceremony for the San...

Nov 23, 2011 - Pamplona

Pamplona.... the city famous worldwide for the San Fermín festival, from July 6 to 14, in which the running of the bulls is one of the main attractions. Everywhere you turn there are pictures, merchandise, signs and countdowns to the next festival. It also has other historic sites but this is definitely the most popular event. This is a short stop over - only one night before we head to our final destination, but we still managed to find time to walk the famous route where the bulls run and the brave get chased. Tomorrow - Barcelona.

Oct 20, 2011 - The Kingdom

Thursday, October 20 Today we visited the former Kingdom, now region of Navarre. And we were reminded of two men, Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier, who left earthly kingdoms to serve the Kingdom of God. We boarded the bus after breakfast; sorry to leave Loyola, but excited to continue our journey. We said Morning Prayer on the bus on the way to Pamplona, capital of the region, about a two-hour ride. We stepped off the bus onto the spot where Ignatius was struck down in battle, and from there entered the Church of St. Ignatius, where...

Jul 11, 2011 - Does anyone here EVER sleep or sober up?

Wow. Pamplona during the Festival of San Fermin is what I would seriously call (family members and those who don´t believe I curse, shield your eyes) a SHIT SHOW. But, in a good way. We got to our hotel, which was SUPER nice... too bad we literally spent 4 hours total in it. And only 2 of those were for sleeping. Our night started out with putting on our San Fermin best (white v-neck complete with red waist sash and bandana around our necks) and grabbing a big cup of Kalimotxo which is half Coke and half red wine. We ate and drank while...

Jul 8, 2011 - Running of the Bulls

That night we left on a 6 hour bus ride to Pamplona, I took some dramine beforehand so I didn’t get sick. It worked! When we arrived in Pamplona for Running of the Bulls the city was going crazy! It was about 1AM and we need to find the luggage hall that held onto my suitcase and bags, then we found a place that sold white shirts and pants and red bandanas. I already had white capris, so I just bought a shirt. Then we found the rest of the group and starting drinking and having a great time! There was so much energy in the city that you...

Nov 5, 2010 - Pamplona

@@@@@@@ Background Navarra is the region that sits astride the Pyrenees and was historically comprised of both French and Spanish territory. The Romans once called the city Pompaelo, as a tribute to Pompey the Great. Over the centuries, warring factions and business-minded traders left their mark on the city’s buildings, culture and politics. Today Pamplona is the capital of the extremely independent Kingdom of Navarra and political tension still exists amongst its Basque citizens and the rest of Spain. However, it’s the festival of...

Nov 5, 2010 - Olite

@@@@@@@ Background This small town, south of the Navarran capital Pamplona, seems like a fairy tale come true. Parts of the town wall were constructed during Roman times, but in the 15th century, the location attracted the attention of King Carlos III and he had his royal palace constructed here. The turrets and crenellated walls and hanging balconies can’t help but make a visitor think of kings and queens as well as beautiful princesses and knights in shining armour. One wing of the castle has been converted into a parador (a top-end...

Oct 6, 2010 - Pamplona, Spain

Drove through some varied countyside, small towns and views of the high mountains. Saw some unusual mounds and forests on the way to Pamplona. Went to old city so Gary could retrace the route of the running of the bulls that he ran in 1969.Lot of construction going on right now in the old city, got lost couple of times walking around trying to find the route.The weather still hot and clear. The Bull ring was open for a some kind of Celebration of seafoods. Lots of stalls selling all types of seafoods, had lunch there. That made a second...

Jul 8, 2010 - Pamplona, Spain

I got to Pamplona on the 8th for a 4 tour of the Running of the Bulls. This whole trip was based around this event and I wanted to make sure I experienced it all so I went with a tour group that specialized on this festival. The San Fermin festival runs every year from July 7th - 14th. People usually only do about 3-4 days of the festival because it is just one big crazy ridiculous party. I did not meet one person who planning on being the entire time. I went for the midweek party and after 4 nights I was almost dead. I can't really...

Jun 2, 2010 - Oh what a beautiful morning!

Day 6: Estella to Los Arcos. 21 km, We wok up this morning to the hospitaleros playing Bob Marley. That was sweet. And then, after walking only 2km, we got to a Winery. This winery, Irache, fills a fountain with vino tinto (red wine) every day!!! So we filled a cup and made a toast, had a sip, and went on with our day. Day 7: Los Arcos to Viana. 19.5 km,

May 31, 2010 - Things looking up?

Day 4: Cizur Menor to Puente la Reina. 20.4 km, just under 6 hours I woke up not feeling refreshed either mentally or physically. I didn´t know how the day was going to go. but boy was I glad I decided to wear bug spray!! Today was the first day the sun has really been out, and the first day I have taken off my long sleeve shirt while walking. You can tell where I didn´t put the bug spray, because I got bit on the backs of my hands, but not my arms, and also on my face :( We climbed up this crazy mountain with wind mills on top. They made...