Day 12 Thu 03 Apr
The old (1753) Roncesvalles monastery has now been partly converted to a luxury hotel and we spent the night there – in stark contrast to 2001 when we slept in a cold dark dorm in the same place. We set out on a cold wet morning with a dozen or so other pilgrims. Today’s path, mostly along good forest paths, was such a delight that we imagined we could walk forever, well at least the 22 kilometers to Zubiri!
Day 13 Fri 04 Apr
Another nice day’s walking – although it rained for most of the morning. It’s 21 kilometers to Pamplona and Pam’s blisters are giving her problems. Today is PUENTE (Bridge) DAY as we cross half a dozen beautiful medieval bridges, resting at each.
Pamplona is having it’s annual Pintxo (Basque tapas) festival and every bar is trying out do the others – we tasted 10 different tapas, with mature local red wines. Tapas have come a long way since they were just slices of bread put on top of the wine glasses in order to keep the flies out!
Day 14 Sat 05 Apr
A day off walking, but not eating, in Pamplona. A bit of sightseeing, following the path of the running of the bulls (bulls day off) until we chanced upon churros (fried sweet dough) and chocolate. Then it was time to increase stomach capacity with a fine Basque lunch – our best meal yet.