DAY 4: August 27 (Zubiri to Pamplona 23km)
We are excited as this is to be an easier day according to our guidebook….and we have a rest day in Pamplona. We have maps and a guide book but depend on the Camino markers like the other pilgrims. These sign posts can be beautiful and easily spotted ceramic tiles with a yellow scallop shell on a bright blue background, steel scallop shells imbedded in sidewalks, or yellow arrows painted on trees, stones, curbs, walls—anywhere. Sometimes the yellow arrows are missed….so far only once have we been headed the wrong way and a kindly and alert villager leaned out his upstairs window to holler and point us in the right direction.
Today’s walk did have more areas of level terrain but there were still some formidable climbs. The landscape is now a mixture of oak, beech and pine trees. Wild berries—- bramble, currant, and wild roses line much of the rural path. Many of the old villages are off the trail but we do not meander and add any more distance to our walk. At Villava , the last village before Pamplona, we are energized and when we cross Puente de la Magdalena, we are elated—we ‘re there!
The hotel is great and centrally located in the old town. We splurge and use their laundry service. Tomorrow is our first non walking day. We hope to get our blog going, get a Spanish SIM card and rest our feet.