Stage 6: Obanos to Estella (27 km--29 degrees)

We hit the trail with the light of the moon, and walked and walked and walked as the day revealed itself to be the clearest, sunniest, and hottest so far at 29 degrees (but no doubt, later on, this will be "cool" in comparison).  The windmills, which were so huge as we had passed below them yesterday, now shrank and then disappeared on the horizon behind us.  In front of us appeared vineyards and olive groves.  Along the way, we crossed over numerous Roman stone bridges and wended our way through beautiful villages.  Now for an early bedtime and a good night's sleep in this monastery with simple, modern bedrooms.

Stage 5: Pamplona to Obanos (22 km--19 degrees)

Another stellar day and a Very exciting one for me (Betty) as we arrived at the Camino cutouts! We had a snack while we watched a school group pose for photos. I thought of my teacher friends. This would be quite the field trip! The weather is still cooperating and we are seeing amazing scenery and some pretty touching pilgrims--a grandma and her grandson, a father and his challenged son sharing their backpack. We are all healthy and after today's walk Laurel's knee, although still sore, seems no worse.

Rest Day: Pamplona (17 degrees)

Laurel found us an apt. on Airbnb and we rested and soaked up the city of Pamplona.  The place was owned by a lady from Vancouver and she really went the extra mile to make us comfortable.  We had the best sleeps of our trip so far, not even the exuberant soccer fans celebrating Spain's 3-0 win over Turkey (until 4:30 in the morning) could thwart that!  Question: What do perigrinos do on a rest day?  Answer: they do a 15 km walking tour of the city!  We traced the running of the bulls circuit and saw every church in Pamplona.  Being Saturday, there was lots going on with markets, concerts, and impromptu parades/dances (soccer fans again).  By the time siesta rolled around we were beat and retired for the day.  Tomorrow we are back on the trail--Buen Camino!

Best Knockers on the Camino (so far)!

If flowers aren't your thing, I thought this post would grab our nephews' attention!

Stage 4: Larrasoana to Pamplona (17 kms--20 degrees)

We set off into the fog in the early morning!  The weather suited us all the way to Pamplona, with the rain kindly holding off until we were safely checked into our apartment, at which time it began to pour.  The ancient bridge made for an impressive entrance into the city.  Unfortunately, my (Laurel's) knee took a beating on the steep downhill slopes of the Pyrenees the other day and is now wrapped in a tensor bandage--hopefully a couple of rest days here in Pamplona will help.  At least my pace is  faster than the snails along the Camino (see photo above)!

Pyrenees Flowers

Flowers of the Pyrenees Mountains and foothills along the Camino

Stage 3: Burguete to Larrasoano--part 2

More pictures from Day 3