train from Bilbao to Pamplona

[Edie Bennett]

As a recently returned pilgrim who walked from St. Jean Pied de Port to
Santiago, I'll just make a comment on Delphia's question of whether to start
from Roncesvalles or St. Jean when time may be limited.  Many of the
pilgrims I met this May and early June were facing a "deadline" to reach
Santiago by a certain date, and were a bit compromised -- some "over-walked"
and ended up with blisters or tendon strains, and others wound up taking a
bus or train to keep to their schedules.  I heard it said many times, "I
wish I could just relax and enjoy the Camino," and "If I had it to do over
again, I'd take more time."

And although the route over the Pyrenes is beautiful, it can be challenging,
especially in sleet or snow, as happened to many of us in May.

Pieter is right about Pamplona and its special ambiance.  Although I had no
reservation, I walked into the Hotel La Perla, asked for a room "con vista",
and, despite my muddy boots and generally frightening appearance, was given
a wonderful room with a view of the central plaza.  Being a Hemingway fan, I
spent a whole day there and next door at the Cafe Iruna, writing in my
journal.

Very best wishes and Buen Camino,

Edie from California




----- Original Message -----
From: "Delphia Dirks" <delphiadaEARTHLINK.NET>
To: <GOCAMINOapete.uri.edu>
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 8:26 AM
Subject: Re: train from Bilbao to Pamplona

Thanks  Pieter.... I really do want to spend a bit of time in Pamplona also
and maybe would be best to stay over upon arrival and go to Roncesvalles the
next day.  I have to count my days.   I have the idea that I 'should' do the
whole thing by going to SJPP... and walk over the mountain.   Or I could
start in Roncesvalles.  Others have spoken of the beauty of going over the
mountain...and I don't want to miss that, but I also want a few days in the
end to spend in Madrid & environs.  Plus stopping along the way.  Maybe I
should spare myself the mountain climb.  I'll see.