Days1 & 2 of the Camino took us from the registration office at St Jean to the hillsides & charming village of Vallecarlos to the steeps of Pyrenees. Stunning.

We flew to Paris & immediately trained to Bordeaux. We were met by a vibrant city ready to celebrate the day in the plaza. It was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon and the plaza was alive with all sorts celebrating the day.

The mirror fountain is a spectacular reflection of the city buildings at night.

And the next day we were surprised st how much we enjoyed the museum of wine. Architecturally exquisite it represents a swirl of wine in a glass. And is built with wooden ribs like a boat.

Estella is a beautiful town located on a lovely small river with charming alley ways, popular outdoor cafes, and majestic ancient stone buildings. The food is good and wine excellent. Our hostel here is an ancient stone building right at the river’s edge.

From the kitchen dining area we can watch the fish jumping, ducks frolicking and blue heron hunting for dinner. In these small towns the hostels are very nicely situated.

In fact, Estella is so nice we chose it for our rest day.

Puente de la Reina

This is the town we stayed in as we ventured from Pamplona.

This is where we experience a shift from the rolling hills and quaint Basque villages to a more arid clime and lots of vineyards. Hot afternoons motivate us to get early starts on our hikes.

There is a pretty well known sculpture at the peak of one of the mountains with pilgrims – it is a delight and treat at the end of a long climb. And yes photos will be posted.

From Zubiri we travelled to one of the largest towns on the Camino –Pamplona. Hemingway left his mark as did many amazing builders over the centuries. Walled areas define the old city with large plazas, city buildings, and cathedrals–spectacular architecture. The social life in Pamplona is robust. Families romp on the plaza during the day and buskers and citizens enjoy the promenade in the evening.

One of our favorite photos is of a tapas restaurant. The tapas are spectacular and the cafe was fun & lively.

I promise to post photos as soon as Greg sends to me. We do have great photos to share

Day 4 of the Camino took us to Zubiri another lovely town entered over an ancient arched stone bridge – charming. We stayed in a nice albergue and this night is all about the social aspect. A comfy common space allowed us to make friends and share hints. Judy & Barbara recently retired teachers shared lots of laughs. Then we had a communal dinner at the hostel and shared stories with pilgrims from Ireland, Germany and US. The food was great salad, fish, dessert, bread & wine-yum.

It does take time to adjust to sleeping in bunk beds and sharing baths in rather tight quarters – though it has a certain sense of adventure and many days there is no other choice.

Burguete Spain might be Greg’s favorite town of the trip.

Spotless town, nice people, fun pub,beautiful scenery and our B&B had the cutest puppy

Cobbled street, flowers everywhere, Basque men in berets reading. It brought smiles to our faces just to be there.

First few villages of the Camino.

St Jean Pied de Port is the bustling start of the Camino. Much more than a village and really a little tourist hub. Cute & touristy.

Valcarlos – our chosen stop for the first night. Perched on the mountainside – definitely sleepy with 2 focuses – farming & pilgrims. The town had all whitewashed homes with red shutters and cobbled streets anchored by a huge church. Just a restaurant, grocery mart, small hotel & hostel

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We stayed in the municipal albergues which meant clean,neat,simple. 10 bunks with snorers and not😴. Most everyone goes to sleep at the same time 10:00. And wakes at the same time around 7:00. Everyone was nice. No scairies. A couple from Valencia Spain, woman from France, guy from Columbus,OH with whom we shared dinner. Cost:$10/night. Dinner: jamon&melon, fish &potatoes, ice cream bread & wine –$12….not in Park city any more….

Second night in Burguette – cutest Basque town ever. Greg thought he was in Whoville of Seuss fame.