Race day in Pamplona

Day three, walking from Zubiri to Pampalona. I am beginning to ease into the journey and taking things more slowly, stopping more and being more courageous about leaving the Main Route and exploring some of the quiet scenic and detour routes, all in the company of John Brierley’s guide. 
After milky coffee and tortilla with pilgrims from NY and Killarney at Zuriáin I had my first Camino swim in the Rio Arga, delicious, refreshing and a bit changing. And it didn’t feel cold. The bridge I swam beside is the extra. I shared the experience with a pilgrim from Sweden who swims all year round in her home town.
Uplifted by this experience I took the steep hillside track to Zabaldika and the church of San Esteban with its ancient belfry where I was encouraged by one of the Sisters to gently ring the bell, I gave it a very cautious go and was astonished by the sound and for how long it resonated.
I continued towards the city of Pamplona via the ridge, my shorts and T-shirt now dry, meeting no one until I rejoined the river just outside the city boundary. The traffic noise was almost welcome as an anchor to the real world. I avoided the main route taking instead the recommended Parque Fluvial which was certainly quieter, and at least another mile longer. I joined two of the students from Salt Lake City, I have met several yesterday and together we worked out an alternative route into the city centre, the obvious one was closed because of the Pamplona Half Triatlón.
Because of the diversion it took me far longer than it should have done to find my hotel. Just time to visit the Saint Maria la Real Cathedral, get a bite to eat and get ready for tomorrow.