Day 4 – Pamplona to Puente la Reina

Posting this update a little behind my usual time due to lack of Internet access…first time since starting the Camino.

Today’s walk took me over a very steep ridge that was lined with windmills whirring out a continuous stream of white noise. There was also a large iron sculpture dedicated to the pilgrims, as well as a stark memorial to those Basque killed by the dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s. Hard to believe this relic of the era of fascism was Spain’s leader until his death the 1975. I’ve included some pictures but the overcast and windy weather was not conducive to decent photography.

Made it to Puente la Reina by mid-afternoon and it took me until dinner to warmed up! Dinner was a real treat served in the vaulted lower level of my B&B. A young guy probably not more than 20 was playing guitar for the evening entertainment. We talked a bit about American music before he started his set, and then he played a couple of familiar songs including Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” all in a flamenco style (yes, he knew Neil Young is actually Canadian). I appreciated the attempt. 😉

Not much else to share about Puente la Reina. It is a rather small town with a decrepit, but beautiful, church and a very large stone bridge dating back to the 1200’s.

Before leaving in the morning for Estella, I met a veteran Camino pilgrim from New Hampshire. He shared some interesting insights including his point of view that the Camino had become too popular.