We found internet

We are sorry that we did not write last night but we did not make it to Pamplona. Here goes the story.

We had a wonderful night in Pamplona. We got in just fine. Amazingly we slept until 9:00 in Pamplona be fore we left for Roncesvalles. This created a late start. Got to Roncesvalles at 11:00, bought our credentials, too a few pictures and found the entrance to the Camino. Said a prayer for a safe journey and stepped on. Walked on a beautiful trail through woodlands, past dairy farms with cows and sheep grazing on beautiful green hill sides. Sprinkled at first and then had real rain. We continued to Espinal. Stopped at the tavern for our first coffee con leche. Ate the trail mix that we had been carrying for the plane and had not used yet. The rest of the day was up hill hard and down hill hard. We finally got to Zubriri about 7:00. We should have stopped in Viskarret but wanted to make the first stage (we did not want to get behind. What an error). In Zubriri all of the refugios were full so we went to the tavern to have a wine and asked about housing. The owner said wait wait and found a patron who spoke English (she was from Sweden) who knew about a room. The owner made arrangements for us to be picked up (after dinner which was great at his place) and delivered to a vacation apartment which was amazing.

We were up and out by 8:00 and planned to go to Pamplona but wondered if we could make it. Two big hills and rain and mud on this day. Planned to have coffee con leche in Larrasoana after two hours of walking through pasture land more belled draft horses and cattle sounding like giant wind chimes but the village was closed because of a sewer leak. Had to go on with out it eating the trail mix along the way. An apt begging to our day. It is amazing, there are roses growing wild along the path so that our way was strewn with rose petals. It continued to rain and shower. The path was muddy muddy muddy. In one particular section I slipped a fell. No damage to dad but the pole snapped causing difficulty for the rest of the day. We decide to stop early (only 10 miles) in Arre. We walked in beat and not sure this was a great idea. The hospitalero met us with smiles and care. Took us to the 11 century chapel for a moment and to the dormitory. It was clean there was a place to dry our cloths for the first time in two days. Every need was met. We met two great people from Quebec who speak enough English for us to have a great time. White Flower on all of the joints, advil and a good nights sleep made a great difference. (there was a little wine in the mix also)

This morning awoke at 6 and up and out by 7:30 (mom is really fast at this now). We were worred about yesterday but after about 20 minutes of walking all the kinks left and we trudged along to Pamplona. Finally back where we started. Quickly through the city and in the process found a store that had walking poles and replaced mine. Stopped at the cathedral and across the street had some coffee con leche. Walked through Pamplona ( what an experience 200,000 people) on to Cizur Menor where an old man our second angel of the day, kept us going in the right direction and then walked with us to make sure that we made it. The folks that live here have been careful for us and supportive of our trek. It is such an inspiration. ¨Buen Camino¨ lifts our spirits and helps us to keep going.

Leaving Cizur Menor it is just up hill to the top where the statues in the picture are found. Then down hill (very steep and rocky) into Uterga where we are sitting have a beer and writing to you. Today lifted our spirits. The walk was harder, we have covered about 75 Km and tomorrow we will break 100. We are leaving stuff at every stop that we do not need to lighten the load. Our Canadian friends are here and we will have dinner soon.