Day 4 The True Pilgrim Experience

The long and dusty road

Today was an early start from Pamplona and after a few miles we (me and a fellow pilgrim, John from Sydney) came to the above. A very Caminoesque landscape. The high hill in the background is called the Alta Perdon or hill of forgiveness. Covered in wind-turbines, perhaps the people who are profiting from the destruction of the landscape with these useless machines need remission of their sin. In any event it was high. Amusingly someone has had the sense of humour to put some metal figurines on the summit which made for a perfect photo-op.

Me and my steed tilting at windmills

Then a long stroll to Puente de Reina but including a detour to a wonderful Romanesque church at Eunate. Difficult to describe, it is built on the same plan as the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Knights Templar are believed to have been the founders. In any event it is a stunning church in a stunning setting. Well worth the pain from my blisters.

Eunate Church

All-in-all, after praying at Eunate, I felt rather lifted. Then I arrived at the albergue in Puente de Reina. To taste the full pilgrim experience I had booked a bunk in the hostel from Pamplona. I had visions of this sleeping in bunks as being a bit Famous Five like. What I hadn’t countered on was being the sole chap surrounded by a gaggle (is that the right collective noun?) of 11 very chatty Spanish women. I will report on how this goes but I expect the concept of being quiet and letting a chap sleep is alien to them. I am so traumatised by even the thought of the impending night that I have booked a nice hotel for tomorrow night. With a nice single room.

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