Day 3: Larrasoana - Cizur Menor

Much better weather and scenery today while walking on the trail running alongside a central stream. After walking around 4km, we stopped to ask a local where the nearest cafe was - his response, "back about 5km or ahead around 10km, mas o menos." "So....Pamplona then?" "Ehh....si." Appreciate the honesty sir, I really do. Wandered past these beautiful fields of truly green grass, blades dancing in the wind.

Eventually, we ascended to a point that allowed us to overlook the beautifully lush farm fields and pastures below.

We took turns taking Captain Morgan-esque photos with one leg resting up on a wooden fence with the greenlands as the background. (I will spare you those pictures.)

We finally caught sight of civilization and knew a cafe had to be close. We crossed over another beautiful medieval bridge and continued our walk through Villava, a cute area on the outskirts of Pamplona that provided a paved walkway beneath a canopy of crazy, knobby trees leading towards our day's pre-approved ending location.

    With Pamplona finally in sight, we were approached by a class-full of 13-year-old students asking us demographic questions to passing pilgrims. They were quite energetic and full of life, and that gave us enough motivation to get up the cobblestone street leading into the city and through the medieval stone archway.

View from the main bridge into Pamplona.

Papa Franz after an interview with the kids.

The Gateway to Pamplona.

We meandered a bit before dropping Stacie at her "one-star" hotel - so nice and clean, had you told us it was a five-star, we wouldn't have doubted it for a second. The woman who worked there was, by far, the most helpful person we have encountered thus far. We took up quite a bit of space and a good amount of time just sitting on the comfy couches in the lobby before continuing on our route to Cizur Menor, a hill town just outside of Pamploma. After walking past a beautiful field of rapeseed (used to make Canola oil) and its sea of yellow, Franz, Dad, and I eventually made it to the albergue.

A close-up of rapeseed, which becomes canola oil. Below: Cizur Menor.

Laundry, leg massage machines for the boys, and frustrating Internet time for Franz ensued after our arrival to the hostel. We cleaned up with cold shower and headed back into town for a dinner with Stacie. Given the worsening pain in my knee, it was decided that I would stay the next day with Stacie while the boys continued on. A plan was made to meet up the day after. Once logistics were settled, we enjoyed each others' company for the rest of the evening. Franz, Dad, and I enjoyed the most roundabout cab ride in Pamplona's cabbing history - my conversation with the driver went from friendly, to questioning, to near-threatening as our curfew time for the albergue neared. Thankfully, we quickly paid the man and hobble-ran to entrance, barely getting in before 10pm doors closed policies (30 seconds to spare).

Today I walked for: Victor. This amazing boy, who I had the opportunity to live with for a month in Peru, is a FIGHTER! The word "no", "can't", and "unable" are NOT in this kid's vocabulary. Victor dreams big with his huge heart and positive attitude. He taught me that nothing is unachievable, and he proved it simply by LIVING each and every day. Victor, you are a superhero!