August 30, 2022
Pamplona, Spain
Dear Family & Friends:
Zubiri to Pamplona
The walk from Zubiri to Pamplona on August 29 was my favorite segment of the Camino de Santiago so far. The 13 mile walk was on mostly flat or downhill terrain. I passed through several villages or hamlets, which provided great rest stops and photo opportunities. The trees and thick vegetation provided relief from the overbearing sun. I was feeling really good the entire walk and making use of my mountaineering skills, especially pressure breathing.
Navigating the Camino is made easy by the trail markers-a yellow shell or yellow arrow. However, the approach into Pamplona was a little complicated because the trail markers became fewer and more difficult to identify. I fumbled and bumbled my way into the Grand Hotel La Perla, which is located in the famous Plaza Del Castillo, in the medieval, walled portion of Pamplona. The Grand Hotel is especially famous as one of Hemingway’s favorite hotels. The Plaza Del Castillo is lined with fabulous bars and restaurants.
I wisely decided to take a rest day in Pamplona on August 30. On my rest day, I visited a sporting goods store to purchase t-shirts that are appropriate for the hots days on the Camino. The store was across the street from the Bull Ring opened in 1922. The Bull Ring is known worldwide because of the running of the bulls in the San Fermin festivities every year from July 7-14. The Bull Ring is the second largest building in Spain and the fourth largest building in the world. I also walked the perimeter of the walled city of Pamplona to soak in the rich history of this wonderful city. My favorite stop was the Santa Maria la Real Cathedral built during the 14th and15th centuries. I was deeply moved by this visit.
I’m writing this blog in the Cafe Iruna, which is next-door to the Grand Hotel. I was immediately attracted to this Cafe when I arrived in Pamplona. The food and wine are spectacular. I found out today this was Hemingway’s favorite hangout. At the Cafe Iruna, I was introduced to Pintxos, which are bite-sized appetizers consisting of a slice of bread with a tower of ingredients piled on top. This is now my favorite food in Spain.
The walled city of Pamplona has all of the electricity, diversity, history, uniqueness and charm of Manhattan, but much more. I wish I could stay longer, but the Camino is calling and I must go.
Tomorrow, I’m back on the Camino de Santiago on my way to Obanos.
Sharing the road
Grand Hotel La Perla
Plaza del Castillo
The Bull Ring
Running of the Bulls
That’s me on the ground
Cafe Iruna
Pintxos
Santa Maria Real Cathedral
Gateway of France-Pamplona’s sole remaining gateway of the original six
This is my kind of trip👍👍looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing Bill
I am so excited to see your name on my computer Bill and read, with your wonderful word abilities, what I can now picture in my own mind..along with the wonderful photos… a trip of a lifetime for me. I want to know what gear you brought to keep those feet moving? Shirts with UVA protection and a good hat I am sure and am curious about your comment on breathing???
Rest when you feel the need for sure.
Pressure breathing is a technique of rhythmic breathing in which you inhale and exhale deeply to discharge the carbon dioxide from your lungs and replace it with oxygen. It is a great help in mountain climbing. The more you use this system of breathing, the easier and more natural it becomes.
Pressure breathing is a rhythmic breathing system in which you exhale and inhale with force to discharge the carbon dioxide from your lungs and replace it with oxygen. It is a huge help in mountain climbing. When practiced regularly, it becomes easy and natural.
I’m loving reading about your Camino Bill. We’re so glad every time you post. It brings back all the great memories. God speed and Bien Camino my friend…
Bill
When I was a little kid my Dad was stationed near Madrid on an Air Force Base. He and some friends went up and did the Running with the Bulls. He said he stayed way out front but it was still exciting. We went to plenty of bullfights as well. Sounds like you are being wise and enjoying your time as well.
Enjoying your posts.
I have always wanted to do this hike. Now I am doing it through you. Thanks
Hey Bill,
Pamplona looks really interesting. I too love these ancient cathedrals. They have this wonderful ancient feeling, and I can often feel the holiness and the presence of God in them. I love to contemplate the many decades of hard work and artistry that went into building them.
Thanks for the blog, enjoying the armchair travel.
Enjoyed your latest update, Bill.
Am writing from St. Louis, Missouri. Arrived yesterday and, as I drove across the great Mississippi, I thought about you kayaking below.
Keep enjoying the adventure!
k;-)
diver kevin.com
Please explain the pressure breathing techniques
Please see my earlier response to this question.
Greetings Bill,
Enjoying your Camino blog…..My wife Kim is departing the U.S. this Sunday 9/4 for her Camino pilgrimage. Kim will be on the same route as you, but a couple of weeks behind you. So, we are both following you with interest in weather, route conditions etc….
Love your blog – Inspiring for sure!
Scott Pennington