Nandy61
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2010-present, multi paths & years
Well, here my tired, bony backside sits after 26K more or less from Pamplona to Puenta La Reine. Stayed last night at the Jesus y Maria hostel and can only say it was fabulous. 6 euros, big clean and well-equipped kitchen, very clean beds, sheets, pillowcases; internet washing area with free washer machines (1E for the driers) It was just great. Was sitting at the door after the walk from Larrasoana at 11:30. They opened the doors at noon. Got settled and went out to explore the city. Reports from other pilgrims about the Paderborn hostel were also great. Same price but with breakfast.
Today was the first day with sun. Not terribly warm, but it gave us a taste of what is to come. Supposedly! Yhe weather has been very strange for June in Spain thus far. At least we are all dried out now. My daughter and I decided to head to the Apostol Albergue in Puente La Reine as it was just a bit further out of town and would give us a little head-start tomorrow. Bad idea. Its really not that far at all from the Reparadores Hostel which is half the price, and supposedly just as nice. I have Brierly´s book and he notes that the Apostol hostal is "on an elevated site, 400m up the road from the bridge" But he never tells you that it is one big-ass hill and climb after 26K. And paying 8€ for the privelege too (Reparadores is only 4€) It is however, very nice, clean airy. There´s a very large laundry room and loads of places outside to hang up your washing (which at this height dries before you´ve hung it all!) It also has a pool (that I don´t dare stick my feet in with the weather we´ve been having) so I suppose it will serve its purpose well for someone, someday. Just be forewarned!
Not many crowds thus far, by the way. The hostal in Pamplona only had 48 persons in it by 6pm. More arrived, but it was not full. This place is like a beach resort hotel in the off season. Only a handful of us.
Tomorrow it is Estella, though we are tempted to stay at the Magic Place 4K before the city. Our bodies are tired and they offer massage there! We´ll see. Ok, enough for now, I believe a cold beer awaits me!
Today was the first day with sun. Not terribly warm, but it gave us a taste of what is to come. Supposedly! Yhe weather has been very strange for June in Spain thus far. At least we are all dried out now. My daughter and I decided to head to the Apostol Albergue in Puente La Reine as it was just a bit further out of town and would give us a little head-start tomorrow. Bad idea. Its really not that far at all from the Reparadores Hostel which is half the price, and supposedly just as nice. I have Brierly´s book and he notes that the Apostol hostal is "on an elevated site, 400m up the road from the bridge" But he never tells you that it is one big-ass hill and climb after 26K. And paying 8€ for the privelege too (Reparadores is only 4€) It is however, very nice, clean airy. There´s a very large laundry room and loads of places outside to hang up your washing (which at this height dries before you´ve hung it all!) It also has a pool (that I don´t dare stick my feet in with the weather we´ve been having) so I suppose it will serve its purpose well for someone, someday. Just be forewarned!
Not many crowds thus far, by the way. The hostal in Pamplona only had 48 persons in it by 6pm. More arrived, but it was not full. This place is like a beach resort hotel in the off season. Only a handful of us.
Tomorrow it is Estella, though we are tempted to stay at the Magic Place 4K before the city. Our bodies are tired and they offer massage there! We´ll see. Ok, enough for now, I believe a cold beer awaits me!
