I guess 14 km was not enough, so I decided to climb up to the castle. It was a 5 1/2 km hike and well worth the hard work of climbing over 100 floors. Everyone else was tired, so Francheska (our German friend) and I ended up making the trek. The 360 degree view was worth all the extra work.

We decided to keep today short (a mere 14 km) as we thought it would be all up hill. Also, by doing this short stage we would have next 2 stages of about 20 km before our next major stop at Logrono.

Last night we stayed at an alberge run by a Brazilian who did the Camino and then decided to open the alberge. It was built open an old structure that has been around for over 600 years. She added quite a few nice touches by adding an area for hammocks, a place to soak your feet in cold running water. We finally had a private room with five beds. A nice dinner and patio conversation after dinner. I have added some pictures of the back patio.

We came across this German couple few days ago and our paths have criss crossed many times over the last 4 days. They were our neighbors last night and again tonight Franchedca and Mike struck up a nice friendship with Sitara and invited her to visit with them in Germany in November.

Once again we had wonderful views as we crossed Estella and some beautiful countryside.

Half way up the road we come across the fountain that dispenses wine. Ever one was enjoying few sips or filling up bottles.

Along the way there were vineyards, wild berries (Pat enjoying them as we passed them) and various tres.

As I write this I am sitting in the shade with this view.

We again have a private room for the five of us in a Dutch alberge with balcony that faces the church and up in the hill I can see the castle. Here is the view from the balcony.

For late afternoon stroll I might climb to the castle. I understand they have a key to the castle at the restaurant if I plan to check it out.

After so many days of long walks we decides to shorten the walk a bit (only 12 miles) so we finish with little time to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Most of the walk was in the countryside with vineyards, olive groves, almond trees. There were also wild berries along the side of the paths. I saw a Spanish pilgrim selectively picking and eating them. Of course I learned through him the right one to pick. He called them moora which turns out to be blackberries. We also found green fruit that tasted like plums. After a whole I watched Pat walking and sneaking the berries as we walked.

We found an alberge that is beautiful with cool running wAter to cool your feet and a hammock to rest in. We are all settled to have our peregrin meal Here is the sampling of the day.

We thought we would get up late and just relax and may be soak in the day. Instead the natives were restless! After some wonderful pastries and cafe con leche we were out looking for laundromat. Once the laundry was done we began our walk around and by 6 pm we were exhausted.

Here are the sights of Pamplona minus the bulls.

Having some fun at the museum.

Visiting the church and other attractions.

Day 4 was another long walk of over 22K from zubiri to Pamplona. We started the day with crisp 50 degree weather with no rain in sight. Our first day without rain since we started the walk.

Pamplona on a Sunday evening before the crowds.

While we were all sore, we made good progress in the morning. We were passing through various town today but most of the villages were either away from the path or empty on a Sunday (most stores are closed).

Here is the sampling of our morning hike along Rio Arga.

We enjoyed a simple lunch at one of few place that was open on a Sunday.

By the time we reached Aree about 5K from Pamplona , we were all exhausted. Fortunately we found
one store in the deserted town and enjoyed some snack and drinks to lift our energy for the last push.

We are glad to have tomorrow as a rest day in Pamplona. Walking around town without a back pack sounds like heaven. Now, it’s time to catch some Z’sss as pampalonian’s are coming alive at the beautiful plaza.

We started day 1 with 8 km with climb up the Pyrenees. Day 2 was finishing the climb of Pyrenees and coming into Spain with steep climb up and then steep climb down to roncessville, a impressive 17.9 km.

Today we attempted our longest hike yet of 22.5 km. if we were sore yesterday, I am not sure what to call today. We have successfully finished though and that feels good. We are hungry and I am finally getting a chance to do this blog with wifi (but still using my iPhone as all the pictures are on the phone.

Thanks for all your comments and encouragement as I have been reading it to team camino (most of the time so far we have had little to no connection)., and I have been the connection with all of you.

Here is some of the pictures from today. The day again start cool and mist turning into mist. The scenery was again fantastic.

Sitara made the hike in record time – 3 1/2 hour. We struggled to finish in 8.

We just finished our dinner as we plan out our next stage.

The sweet life.
After a beautiful day in sjpdp we are officially in our Camino path. Here is the sampling of our first day of hike to Orisson. What a gorgeous hike up the Pyrenees. It turned out to be a fairly short day, a good way to acclimate us to the longer hike tomorrow.

In front of our alberge with our host Jose.

It was perfect day for hiking with clouds, mists, rain, and sunshine all mixed I. During the hike and creating some nice views.