LIVE from the Camino Compass Chris on Camino Frances from Pamplona

[Compass Chris]

[Moderator note: 4 threads have been merged so we can follow Compass Chris along the Camino Frances]

Pamplona via Barcelona

Good start. Passing though Barcelona airport was a breeze (had printed QR Spanish health & NHS Covid certificate). Easy train to Barcelona Santa train station. Over night stay at nearby hotel. Now waiting in the boarding area for fast train to Pamplona at much more reasonable Spanish fayre rates. Start walking tomorrow - exciting!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Good luck, Chris. There are hundreds of us who would love to be on the camino now. Keep us informed of progress.
Buen camino!
Steve in East Anglia.

 

[Compass Chris]

Leaving Pamplona

For couples with cash I can recommend Sercotel Europa and the excellent €23 menu at Bar Restaurante -San Nicolás La Cocina Vasca- Jatetxea.

We left at 7am and walked parallel to the Camino through Ciudadela de Pamplona which was impressive then to Iruña Café which opens at 7:30.

The walk up to Mirador Alto Del Perdón is delightful, but care is needed on the rocky path going down. Tasty snacks in Camino Del Perdón Albergue-Restaurante. Now comfortably installed at Aubergue Jake.

 

[Compass Chris]

Some pics...

 

[Kathar1na]

Thank you for these recent photos from Pamplona and the Alto del Perdon ... your second photo shows pilgrims who carry a statue of the Virgin Mary from Fatima. The idea is to carry it to Russia eventually. They started in Fatima on the 4th of June.

Buen camino!

 

[mspath]

Thanks for your photos. It must be very exciting to finally be on the camino. Do take care tomorrow and carry water for the path lacks bars.
Carpe diem and Buen camino.

 

[Compass Chris]

Services you'll find en route to Estella right now

Today we noticed ...
-- The taverna at the start of Calle Major in Puente La Reina opens at 6:30 for breakfast (it's not marked on Google maps?)
-- There is a bar in Maneru but the sign said open at 9am.
-- EGA Pan was the first shop we saw open in Cirauqui, a village which also has a public toilet in the arch you go though to exit the square.
-- Ezitsu tea shop was open in Lorca.
-- Next place we saw open was Cafeteria Marta (which had a toilet). The bar 100m after was open too.
-- We had lunch at www.mundo-estella.com . Food service starts at 1pm, there is an enclosed terrace at the back and I highly recommend it.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Helpful info Chris. Thanks.

 

[peregrina2000]

Today we noticed ...
-- The taverna at the start of Calle Major in Puente La Reina opens at 6:30 for breakfast (it's not marked on Google maps?)
-- There is a bar in Maneru but the sign said open at 9am.
-- EGA Pan was the first shop we saw open in Cirauqui, a village which also has a public toilet in the arch you go though to exit the square.
-- Ezitsu tea shop was open in Lorca.
-- Next place we saw open was Cafeteria Marta (which had a toilet). The bar 100m after was open too.
-- We had lunch at www.mundo-estella.com . Food service starts at 1pm, there is an enclosed terrace at the back and I highly recommend it.

Also wanted to add that in Cirauqui, forum member @juanma’s albergue is up and ready for business. It is a beautiful place in a pretty little village.

Albergue Cirauqui Casa Maralotx – Camino De Santiago – Navarra

 

[arobins]

Today we noticed ...
-- The taverna at the start of Calle Major in Puente La Reina opens at 6:30 for breakfast (it's not marked on Google maps?)
-- There is a bar in Maneru but the sign said open at 9am.
-- EGA Pan was the first shop we saw open in Cirauqui, a village which also has a public toilet in the arch you go though to exit the square.
-- Ezitsu tea shop was open in Lorca.
-- Next place we saw open was Cafeteria Marta (which had a toilet). The bar 100m after was open too.
-- We had lunch at www.mundo-estella.com . Food service starts at 1pm, there is an enclosed terrace at the back and I highly recommend it.

Thanks for your great note. I'm keeping information like this and it is extremely helpful for my upcoming trek in September/October. Be safe and keep the great notes coming. Buen Camino

 

[Anniesantiago]

Also wanted to add that in Cirauqui, forum member @juanma’s albergue is up and ready for business. It is a beautiful place in a pretty little village.

Albergue Cirauqui Casa Maralotx – Camino De Santiago – Navarra

I love this place!

 

[meazara]

Thanks for your great note. I'm keeping information like this and it is extremely helpful for my upcoming trek in September/October. Be safe and keep the great notes coming. Buen Camino

Same schedule, perhaps our paths will cross on The Way. Buen Camino

 

[meazara]

Today we noticed ...
-- The taverna at the start of Calle Major in Puente La Reina opens at 6:30 for breakfast (it's not marked on Google maps?)
-- There is a bar in Maneru but the sign said open at 9am.
-- EGA Pan was the first shop we saw open in Cirauqui, a village which also has a public toilet in the arch you go though to exit the square.
-- Ezitsu tea shop was open in Lorca.
-- Next place we saw open was Cafeteria Marta (which had a toilet). The bar 100m after was open too.
-- We had lunch at www.mundo-estella.com . Food service starts at 1pm, there is an enclosed terrace at the back and I highly recommend it.

Super update, thank you

 

[Former member 31048]

I love this place!

Oh yes, me too. One of the standout albergues for me. Also has private rooms and a wonderful stone walled bar dining area on lower ground floor, where we had a great dinner. That was in 2013. Great hospitality.

 

[Compass Chris]

After Los Arcos

Two tough stages after Los Arcos, near 30km each. Definitely start before 7am on hot days. The rocky country paths are hard on the feet, a more rigid sole than my Hoka trainers would work better.

Logrono was a delightful city.

Shorter route today to Santo Domingo but the weather turned all English (misty, some rain, very cool), needed an extra layer and the poncho. Not much on the route other than vineyards (which are providing some lovely wine to drink). Definitely few pilgrims on the paths.