Today was about a 14 mile hike. The natural beauty of this area is incredible. Have been walking through the basque region and anybody who knows history will know that they are fiercely independent. They do not even speak French or Spanish by choice and they have their own language.
Today saw the first pilgrims that were having to stop or rest because they were injured. Broken ankles, knee issues and blisters.
Also saw lots of evidence of the community of the pilgrims who would stop to help anybody out who was in difficulty. I found myself being drawn into this and helping out others too.
It’s amazing just one day how you catch up with other pilgrims that you’ve seen for the last two or three days I would say that already there are four or five people that I regularly see.
Today made friends with people from Uruguay, Ireland, Denmark, France ,Tennessee, Canada , Arizona and many many more.
I should also apologize to the family that I shared the hostel room with. They were not South Korean but Chinese. Lovely kind and respectful people.
For the history buffs
Pamplona, the capital of Navarre in northern Spain, is renowned for its rich historical tapestry, dating back to its founding by the Roman general Pompey in 75 B.C. as a military outpost. Throughout the Middle Ages, it flourished as a key fortress city and pivotal stop on the Camino de Santiago, a major Christian pilgrimage route. In modern times, Pamplona gained international fame for the San Fermín festival, featuring the iconic running of the bulls, a tradition immortalized in literature and attracting thousands of visitors annually.