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Day 1 |
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Map is not to scale !
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The
tests and trials of the Camino faced us as soon as we unpacked our bikes
at the Pamplona airport. Try as we might, we could not find the quickrelease
pin for one of the bicycles. As it was Saturday afternoon, we checked
into a hotel and waited for Monday to get help from 'Cyclos Martin'. Two
days exploring Pamplona helped us get over some of the jetlag.
After getting the bicycles ready Monday morning, the missing pin emerged in one of the waterbottles! The folks at 'Cyclos Martin' helped fix my broken speedometer mount, and finally we set off on our first leg to Puente la Reina. |
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Climbing up to Monte Perdon was no small feat and we were glad our first day was only 25 km. A team or cyclist from Brazil passed us as we pedalled up the grade with our loaded bikes. I eyed their unloaded racing bikes and wondered if there was anything in my panniers that I could toss into the next big trash can. |
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We
arrived in Puente la Reina and quickly learned the 'Pilgrims Routine'.
Check into the refugio, get your pass stamped and a bed assigned, fluff
your sleeping bag out on your mattress, take a shower, and do laundry.
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Puente
la Reina
The
town is named after the elegant bridge that crossses the river Arga. The
bridge was built in the 11th century to provide easy passage for the pilgrims.
The refugio is located on the left side as we entered the town across
the street from the 'Iglesia del Crucifijo' at the 'Padres Reparadores'.
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Refugios are located at:
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Pamplona: Puente la Reina: At the Padres Reparadores across from the church Iglesia del Crucifijo |