Day 34: Larrasoaña to Pamplona 16 kilometers

Overnight rain was sure to muddy the paths today but we only had 16 kilometers to go so we march on.  A very quiet morning and not as cool. Stopped mid morning at El Horno De Irotz, a cool little cafe that we enjoyed on our journey last year. We had some great coffee and breakfast cake but it was very quiet as no other pilgrims stopped in. We continued and got to the big city of Pamplona before noon. Made our way through the busy city until we reached the officina de tourisma where we got some maps and needed info. As we exited the office we ran into some Pelerins that have been on the same path as us for some days now. They have been traveling from Geneva and are going to Santiago. Even though we didn't hang out with them much I think we found we had a great respect for one another. We said our goodbyes and continued on. As we went to find our hotel and the train station we followed the path of the running of the bulls. After obtaining tickets to travel to Barcelona tomorrow, we checked in to our hotel, dropped off our bags and did a walking tour of the great walled city.  The fortress that is the city is massive. What was a bit sad was the defacing of several of the entrance gates. Not sure why anyone would feel the need to mar a beautiful and historic place. We lucked into finding a great restaurant for a midday meal of salads, pinxtos, and coffee. After tiring during our tour, we headed back towards our hotel, stopping at a store to get some things for dinner and our trip tomorrow. Our days of walking on The Way for this journey are now over. A bit sad. 

Day 33: Ronceveaux to Larrasoaña 27 kilometers

Awoke to a cool and foggy morning in Ronceveaux (Roncevalles). Had our first cafe con leche this morning. Joan is missing her Cafe Noisettes already. Hit the trail just before 8:00.  The parade of pilgrims had already begun. Found it to be a bit strange to be on the Spanish route again. Saw so many people with gigantic backpacks.  Don't know how they do it. Stopped mid morning for a rest and a coffee stop in Bizcarreta, a place where we spent the night before we started last year. Then walked some long wooded paths before coming to Zubiri (pronounced Zoo-beedy). We picnicked there and got an ice cream before making the last bit of today's journey to Larrasoaña. Checked into the albergue and got our chores done by 3:00. Went to the local tienda where we got some food for a meal last year and enjoyed some classic rock tunes played by the owner, Angel.  He's quite a character. Got a few things to sustain us tomorrow morning.  Decided to participate in one more community dinner. The company and conversation were far better than the food this time. Talked with women from Ireland and Lithuania.

Albergue San Nicolas - very nice, clean facility. Meal is sub par but not many options in this town.

Charlotte to Paris to LePuy.....That's a long way!

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                                           Joan's "sac a dos" almost ready to go

                         A marker we found declaring the beginning of the Chemin 

21 hours later we have made it to our starting point.  Tired is putting it mildly. We flew to Paris and then three trains to arrive in Le Puy en Velay. Time to find dinner and then off to bed so we are ready to explore tomorrow.