Collins Camino

I sit writing this in a park outside of Estella, took a rest day just outside of the city with my Hungarian friend Daniel. Zubiri to Pamplona was a very wet and cold day, but beautiful country. Walked most of the day in the rain, stopped about halfway but the trails were muddy. Some trails were literal creeks, photos attached. I was happy to land in Pamplona, and the shared private room in the albergue was a nice luxury. Pamplona was a great city, and had a good time exploring what I could. I visited the café that Hemingway would frequent when he was in Spain, a beautiful building. The fort surrounding Pamplona is quite the feat, a really cool historic landmark to cross the gates of. Ate Paella with Adam, Steve, Frank, Ann Grace, and a few other Irish folks. Did not catch their names, but nice people. Decided to not stay the next day in Pamplona, I had too much energy to keep going and the city was sold out, not sure I wanted to fork up 180€ for a hotel room. It was also the first day of sun! I’ve started booking ahead for the next nights, there are supposedly a few thousand pilgrams hiking currently.

Pamplona to Punte la Reina

Had a good late start, hit the trail around 10:30 AM. Good to sleep in, stayed out with friends fairly late in Pamplona. A solem hike, but a steady climb. The sun was great, and it stayed around 65-70 degrees with a breeze. Perfect hiking weather. El Perdon was a great little stop, beautiful views and quite the metal sculptures. The trails today were rocky but dry, and only one puddle was stepped in. Later half of the day was tiring, but the albergue had a surprise pool. Very cold, but very needed. Spoke to family and friends on the climb up, was good to catch them up. Debated catching a taxi back to Pamplona for festivals, but the pool was relaxing and I was tired. Another time perhaps.

Punte la Reina to Estella

A surprisingly tougher day, but linked up with Daniel, Anna from Romania, and Retena from Italy. A great group, none of us speak the same language and use broken English, hand gestures, and google translate to communicate. Lots of laughter, and shared desire for a chair and beer after the hike. Broke for lunch and met John from Ohio, and Anna met another Romanian lady. Some soreness in my left knee, but a wrap helps. Shared drinks with Adam and Steve, then broke to go grocery shopping with the crew. Daniel and Retena made a Hungarian/Italian mix dinner. Delicious. Met a guy named Kevin who knows two of my favorite comedians personally, and also played for Hootie and the blow fish and Dave Matthews. Really nice guy. Writing this on my rest day in Estella, a quaint little city. Was nice to have a relaxing morning, although sleep was terrible as my bunk mate had some pretty bad nightmares and the other snored louder than a sport bike on the parkway. Met Judy from Pennsylvania in the morning, and Daniel and I have been taking it slow. Booked a hotel room, and we plan a early night. He was excited to see a Lidi market, he is the store manager at his local one in Hungary. Hoping to connect with some family and friends today. Off to Los Acros tomorrow.