Day 3: Zubiri to Pamplona

Alfonso and Becky before entering the old section of Pamplona.  It´s been illuminating to hear about Spain and it´s history from people as we walk.

Jesus y Maria, the alburgue in Pamplona.  Many of our acquaintances are also staying here.  It seems a community of travelers has already begun to form.

We are sending this on the evening of November 2nd at the end of Day 3.  We are grateful for the warm showers, comfortable beds, and good company along the way.  We´ll write more as time and internet access allows. 

Day 2: Roncesvalles to Zubiri

Becky and two Spanish women from Mallorca.



Mark on the way to Zubiri with his backpack carrying the shell, typical pilgrimage symbol along the Camino.



Menu del Peregrino (Pilgrim´s meal) pork, potatoes, salad, soup, rellenos, wine, water, and good company from Spain, Canada, Switzerland, and Finland.

Day two found us walking towards the industrial town of Zubiri.  We walked alongside many of the same people we had met the previous day.  It rained for the first few hours but we were so blessed by complete sunshine the day before so we weren´t complaining.
We met Harold who is 80 years old and is hiking the Camino for the 7th time.  Some other interesting characters include Alfonso who spoke of pre-Franco Spain and his affinity for interesting Spanish toasts.  (some not appropriate for blogging :)
One Spanish family is traveling in a group of 6 and they have made for some very lively conversations.

Day 1: St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Roncesvalles, Spain

Halloween in France and about to begin the walk to Santiago.

The Pyrenees close to the French-Spanish border.
 

 We took the bus from Madrid to Pamplona on October 30th and then found there was no bus to Roncesvalles so we hitched a ride to France so we could begin our journey on the 31st.  Thanks to Juana, our first ride, and to Maria and her dog with skin problems for the second ride, we made it to France so we could begin walking on the 31st. 
We climbed the Pyrenees and enjoyed the view of Roncesvalles, a medieval city population 100 as we entered just before sunset.  We attended a pilgrim´s mass and then enjoyed some trout and vegetable soup.

We're going to be pilgrims for Halloween!

October 30th will find us on a bus from Madrid to Pamplona. From there, we hope to make it to St. Jean Pied de Port that evening so that we can start walking on Halloween.  It's great to be (back) in Spain!  We'll keep you posted from the Camino as best we can.   

First Days in Madrid

Becky and Sarah on their way to Parque del Retiro

Spain in the fall

Looking out to the Prado.  We didn't go in.  We went to the Reina Sofia instead.

Mark's first tapas.  Cream curried chicken, left, meatballs, spanish tortilla, nazareno (cabbage around spicy beef goodness)

 

 

 

On the way from Boston to Chicago.....

On the road

Visiting Aunt Jayne and Uncle Bob in Lebanon PA

A walk through the prairie in Wheaton IL with Mark's mom and brother

Visiting the Morton Arboretum w/ Becky's mom and Aunt and Mark's family

Aunt Pam

 Mark with his madre

5 more days left in Massachusetts!

Dear friends and family, We'll be updating this as regularly as we can whilst we make our way across Spain. We will be thinking of you as we walk. (Spain dates: October 28th through December 14th)