Puente La Reina

28 August 2025

It rained in Pamplona last night, but not on me today while walking. The temperature was blissfully cool though and even later in the day when the sun was more out I wasn’t baking uncomfortably.

Today was a more gentle climb leaving the suburbs of Pamplona and crossing farm fields where I had a sheep flock encounter- the sheep wanted to cross the path but the herding dog sent them back across where he wanted them. There was one black sheep- which there is in every family… hahaha

Compared to previous days, today’s climb was gentle to arrive at the peak of Alto de Perdón. It is a famous photo op for pilgrims on the Camino as it features not only spectacular views of the whole valley but a sculpture of pilgrims bracing against the wind. I also had my first “Camino Angel” experience. A Camino Angel is someone who provides just the right thing at the exact right time. A nice young pilgrim named Diego from Mexico was passing out his half dozen paraguaya fruits. My Washington state friends called them donut peaches. It was so delicious, sweet and juicy. Perfectly timed after climbing a big hill!

Descending through a few “towns” which (can be simply a church and three buildings) the walking felt better today. I am forcing myself to take little breaks along the way and a full-on, sit down and put my feet up break in the middle of the day. It has helped tremendously. Today was 16 miles 25.6km! Unfortunately, I am dealing with two blisters which I believe have appeared because of extended downhill walking stretches.

Tonight I am staying in the town of Puente La Reina “Queen’s Bridge” where there is longest span stone bridge in Spain. Off to dinner with some other pilgrims!