Day 1- Pamplona to Obanos

Walked: 4.3+6.9mi. Camino2025: 11 mi.

At 8:25 we walked from our hostal with our day packs and backpacks to the nearby Correos post office to initiate the transport service we’ll use for the entire Camino. It took over an hour to overcome a technical problem we’ve had making the payment to Correos for the service via our iphones.

At 9:45 we left the post office, and found a nearby merchant to call a taxi to get us moving along the Camino ASAP.

Finally, at 10:05, we began today’s walk at the village of Zariquiegui.

Leaving from Zariquiegui

The following is an attempt to capture what we saw and felt today as we climbed to the pinnacle of the Alto del Perdón, Pamplona and the Pyrenees shrinking into the background, and then bravely took-on the challenge of the rocky descent with the hope that the coming days would offer frequent glimpses of nature’s beauty and majesty garnished with the ever-present remnants of mankind’s struggles and accomplishments… all coming together to further enrich the pilgrim experience.

Most of the 1.5 mile climb was quite steep
Not only was the path steep, but frequent rain storms of recent days created puddles and small streams flowing across and sometimes with the path resulting in not only caked and splashed mud on footwear and pants but provided insidious slippery spots, which threatened a muddy fall and/or a Camino ending injury.
The imposing size and the droning sound of wind turbines along the Alto del Perdón ridge added additional intimidation at times as we struggled against the incline, occasional wind gusts and unsure footing.
Arriving at Alto del Perdon
Posing in front of the energy company artwork.
Heading west and downward

The following are examples of the terrain experienced as we walked down from Alto del Perdon.

The end of the difficult, rocky downhill trek and the emerging green fields of spring.
At the bottom , finally, after a mile downhill.
Seeing Green fields of grain. on the Camino for the first time.
walking for a while with Kirsten from Holland.

We stopped in the village Uterga at a favorite spot, usually perfect for breakfast and a rest, after tackling Alto del Perdon. Today, though, we arrived at 12:45, long past breakfast and tostadas were not available. So, we shook things up a bit by ordering colacao (Spanish hot chocolate), and shared a slice of chocolate pie and a roasted vegetable tortilla. (Never a dull moment on the Camino Frances!)

…walking among the green fields between Uterga and Murazabal.
Here we were just leaving Murazabal with Obanos in the background and showers threatening. We ultimately put on our rain ponchos as we approached the foot of the hill, which thwarted all but an occasional drizzle.

We arrived at Casa Raichu, our 4th stay and were greeted cheerfully by Elena, the owner with smiles and hugs.

Elena, a pastry chef and for some 5 years, a casa rural owner, prepared a tasty dinner for us and 5 other guests representing, USA ( California), Germany and Spain (Barcelona).

We retired after a satisfying day of meeting new friends, enjoying new scenery and successful completing a challenging walk … a good beginning for Camino 2025.

One thought on “Day 1- Pamplona to Obanos”

  1. Hi. Following you with interest and concern at times. Beautiful pictures of the scenery along the way. All is well in IB! Larry

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