Pamplona and a day of rest

We arrived in Pamplona yesterday, Wednesday the 22nd, just as hot and tired as the last few days. The walk from Zubiri wasn't as technically challenging, but the heat saps one of all available energy. Yesterday it was 34 C (93F), WAY too hot to be slogging up and down hills. It got to be too much. Just as we were about to succumb to the heat we rounded a curve and there appeared a man selling cold drinks and fruit! In the middle of the trail.  The drinks and an orange gave us just enough of a boost to make it to our destination. I guess the Camino does provide.

 

Today we listened to our bodies and took a rest day. Good thing, today reached 44C here. Yup, 44C (111F), no typo. We relaxed, slept in, and had breakfast at a nice little cafe. I have come to love the tortilla served here. I could eat it every day. After breakfast we went through our gear to make some decisions about what we really needed and what we could live without. The result was shipping 3.8 kg home (about 7.5 lbs). You pay for equipment twice on the Camino, once at REI and once to ship it home. 

 

Pamplona is a great city. So many old buildings. We really didn't see much of it, but what we did was very different than an American city. An interesting blend of modern and medieval. I like it. The food, oh the food. Again, very different than home, and I love it. Today I had a salad with pineapple and feta cheese drizzled with raspberry vinegarette. Simple, light, and delicious. It was the starter for my meal of crepes stuffed with spinach and prawns. It was accompanied by a cold beer and "Basque cake" for dessert. Simply wonderful, all for 15€, about $17. Lori's ready to move here.

While we tarry in Pamplona, Nathan has moved ahead. The hustle and bustle of the city  didn't really suit him. He is much faster than we are and I think he really wants to stretch his legs. We keep in touch via text and will meet up soon.

Tomorrow we hit the road for Puente la Reina.  I am looking forward to Alto del Perdón. More later.

Peace.