The Sun Also Rises

Today was day three of a pilgrim's walk on ancient paths towards Santiago de Compostela. The 13.1 miles followed along the Arga river through pastoral fields, farms, and towns in Navarre.

For me it was also a chance to relive more Hemingway. We were retracing Jake and Bill's path back from the fishing trip in Burguete to join their friends at the Fiesta of San Femin in Pamplona, and to the debauchery and self destruction of the post-war "lost generation". I share his love for this town and region. Coming here previously is what drew me to him in the first place. (Fist bump to Buen Camino subscriber Greg Schulze for the assist.)

Late in life Hemingway lamented that the massive popularity of The Sun Also Rises ruined San Fermin, it's corrida de toros, and to a degree Pamplona itself. I'm certain had he staved off depression long enough to see City Slickers, it would've done him in.

...but I think he was wrong. Pamplona is an amazing, vibrant, authentic Spanish town and it was great to return with Ben, on foot from the countryside. We pintxo hopped down the cobblestone streets and enjoyed the sights and sounds of northern Spain.

"I can't stand it to think my life is going so fast and I'm not really living it."

- Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

A tribute to Papa outside the Plaza de Toros in Pamplona

A better look at the "Rabies Bridge" leaving Zubiri. For more info on this bridge see yesterday's comments section

The Arga. We spent most of the day walking along it.

Fin del Camino. "End of the road". RIP Rosanna. And Elsa (11/15/17).

Many bridges across the Arga, including Puente de los Bandidos (Bandits' Bridge). Kind of speaks for itself.

Outside Pamplona. Even in the suburbs of a city The Way is well marked.

Ben entering Pamplona

Pintxos!

Journal time. Buen Camino.