Pamplona San Fermin- running of the bulls!

[suzie morgs]

Need the advice of those wise pilgrims who have walked through Pamplona during the festival of San Fermin. We have just realised that we will arrive in Pamplona about July 8-9th. Not sure whether to splurge out and book 2 nights accommodation at incredibly expensive rates to capture the festivities ( minus watching the gory bits and aware that we won't be able to get a good vantage point for the running if we did stay), or book Caroline (Express Bourricot) to pick us up at say Zubiri (or will accommodation there be limited too, in which case we may need to be collected from Roncesvalles) and ride to Cizur Minor. We were hoping to stay at Eunate but if we can't I'm sure that Puente La Reina will be booked out. Maybe Caroline from Roncesvalles to Estella?? The downer with that option is that we didn't stay at Eunate last time and regretted it, so were hoping to do so this time.
We have walked the Frances before and loved Pamplona but know that we will have the opportunity in future pilgrimages to visit again so it is not imperative that we stay there. Our purpose is more a spiritual one hence the sacredness of the Eunate experience.
Would those who know many wise things recommend a desirable course of action?

 

[mralisn]

In 2005, I was able to return to the festival after I finished the Camino Frances. I can tell you it is an incredible experience full of life, drink, food, music, dance, revelry. This was an incredible experience for me. In reading your post, I think it would be best to keep to your Eunate plans since you mention returning one day to Pamplona and wanting to capture the spiritual essence of the Way.

As you know, the Camino will lead you to one or the other.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[suzie morgs]

Thanks Simeon. I think we'll now pack our sleeping mats to open our accommodation options and trust that the Camino will provide.
Suzie