Pamplona and beyond

Today was our toughest hike yet. The consecutive days of hiking are taking a toll and we had to go about 15 miles today. The diet of bread and more bread makes it tough but we were rewarded after a long slog with the historic city of Pamplona, where we sat down finally and had pinxos (not tapas!) and cold beer. Then we had a quick look around and continued on to the small town of Cizur Menor, where I´m typing this in a small lounge that is part of our alburgue for the night. Our group is a little worse for the wear but John and I are well. No blisters yet but I have a very sore Achilles tendon and limped for the last two miles or so. Hopefully, sleep will help but sleeping in a room with ten people when you´re on a bunk bed is difficult and when you wake up at night, there are usually a few other people awake listening to iPods, struggling with the same insomnia. The exercise helps. Tonight´s pilgrim dinner was a first course of paella (mostly rice and a little meat), followed by meatballs with french fries in gravy and some french bread followed by cake. Oh, and a bottle of wine is always included. Needless to say, carbs are not a problem on the camino. Fresh fruit is more of an issue. We are in good spirits, though, and excited to go up to Puenta la Reina tomorrow. More to come but for now I´m on the public computer. Miss all you guys!