Day 5

Camino Day Five We had originally planned a ‘day-off’ in Pamplona, not knowing how we would all fare after hearing how difficult the first four days on the Camino could be. Instead, we decided to just sleep in and start our walk around noon. We felt that 10 or so miles would at least keep us moving forward – and none of us were really sore or tired. The first 3.1 miles were very ‘ urban’ – as we trekked through and out the western edge of Pamplona. The next 4 miles started out through open fields, but then climbed significantly to the town of Zariquiegui. I think all of us were surprised by the steepness of this section. And compounding the issue for some of us, a hard rain /hail encounter brought out the rain gear for the first time! The next 1.5 miles continued steeply uphill – in mud – until we came to the famous ALTO DEL PERDON, several steel statues of pilgrims on the crest of the mountain. Astonishing views surround a very significant work of art. The last 2 miles dropped us 885 feet , down a very steep and rocky trail, essentially a watershed. We arrived in Uterga around 5:30pm, at a private alburgue. Had a delicious ‘pilgrims meal’ , and planned for a possible 18 mile section tomorrow.