Day 3: Zubiri to Pamplona

Day 3: 07 Oct 2024

Distance (kms): 20.4

Elevation gain/loss (m): 456 / 542

The official map for the path from Zubiri to Pamplona: 


It is not all meadows and farms here. A manganese mining plant outside Zubiri:



The path was relatively easy but very muddy due to overnight rains. A 12th century abbey along the way: 

 



This wild berry was all over the place, which someone later told me is toxic and will cause a serious case of upset stomach:


Tried to get food at Larrasoaña, but none of the stores were open. Graffiti / mural showing that the Basque have strong opinions:


Just when I thought I might never come to a meal stop, I came across this bar in Zuriáin, which was making plates of eggs and ham to order. Yeah! 


They still have figs on the tree here: 


Signs telling pilgrims which path to take:


It is amazing how well marked the Camino. When in doubt there is always a sign.

When I was sitting on a park bench trying to catch a break, this four legged creature came around and was petted by a fellow pilgrim from Ireland:

On the outskirts of Pamplona it started to rain and I had to deploy the extra heavy duty garbage bag aka poncho to keep me and the backpack dry. Came across this church of the Holy Trinity and decided to peep in for a look. As my luck would have it the worst of the rain was while I was in this church. A sign? :). Church and graffiti on the door (my hiking poles leaning on the wall):




I guess someone dislikes the monetary aspect of the church. Can’t blame them or disagree with them on that. 

After a long tiring hike though the outskirts of Pamplona, finally got to a hotel room (no Albergue today!). Picture of the city streets around Plaza del Castillo:  




Had tapas with some friends at Cafe Iruña: 




This cafe was one of Hemingway’s favorites. Oh yeah, also got to use a laundromat for the first time: 



Washing clothes turned out of be unexpectedly expensive in terms of time and money.

It took three days to walk from St. Jean to Pamplona whereas the taxi ride in the other direction was only 90 minutes!

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