Zubiri to Pamplona

We left Zubiri and hiked approximately 14 miles to Pamplona and arrived in the walled city at about 3:00.... just in time to miss another thunderstorm. We have have been hiking with Percy and Harry (from Maine) who we met on the first day while hiking to Orrison. We lost them half way through the day as Percy's knees were sore and he was getting blisters. Harry stopped to wait for him. Our other two friends, Ann and Caoimhe (from Ireland) who we also met the 1st day arrived in Pamplona later in the day...having to take the bus from the outskirts of Pamplona because of the storm. We met up with Ann and Caoimhe at a Tapas bar along with Edith from New York and had a great evening. We had decided to stay and extra night in Pamplona and splurge for a cheap hotel. I figured after 4 days of hiking we would need the rest and wash our limited clothing. We are both sore but no major injuries. We feel lucky compared to others we have met. It appears the common denominator for injuries are those who tied the 1st day to hike from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles in one day. Many who hiked the day after us incurred high winds and pounding hail at the top of the mountain. We got lucky! 

Today Ben and I did our laundry and explored the city. A very beautiful city and is in full gear for the start of Sanfermin 2014....the Running of the Bulls which starts in a couple days. The estimated attendance is over 1 million people which is hard to believe considering how small the old walled city is.   We went to the bull ring and saw the route of the running. We also went to the Cathedral of Pamplona and explored the church. It is beautiful with much of the building and contents going back to the 13th century. We start again in the morning and with the next stop at Puenta la Reina which is another 16 miles away. Hopefully the next Albergue has Wi-fi and we are not too tired to blog.