Morning 8am: I am  the last to leave the hostel . Shortly after, I have breakfast in Auritz . First thoughts about pilgrims walking. For them it may take a bit longer already. Maybe I should walk the next time?. Finally arrived at the camino and feeling different. Mountainbiker or Pilgrim?  I will find out.

The next village is Espinal . And there the Camino turns into a trail . With all optimism and anticipation , after 3 weeks rain in the Pyrenees, the Camino doesn`t want to make it easy for me. Almost being a swamp it is hard work with the bicycle. 

First maledictions and pilgrims being faster than me. Before overtaking they ask if everything is ok - after having seen me falling.

The way remained than the same to Pamplona. Which meant that all the planning, done beforehand, was  in vain.

Later, shortly before reaching Pamplona, I throw the whole bicycle , including bags, into the water of the Rio Arga. And I hope, that all the dirt will be washed down.  One passer by looks surprised, seeing me standing in the water - together with the bike. The water washing down the mud.

 Than I follow the way down to Pamplona. Now again crowded, lots of traffic, passing the suburbs.

The first stamp for my pilgrrims pass I receive at the cathedral. ( actually the second after registering in Roncesvalles) But this is my first Cathedra, more a Museum, on the Camino. One of many churches to come.  Now I dont , but the following days , until reaching Santiago,  I will spend some time in churches on the way, every day - and this was not part of the planning.

A cup of coffe before leaving the city with a revised schedule. I still should be able to reach  Puente la Reina today, and maybe , with a detour, the church of Eunate.

To get there I have to pass the Alto del Perdon with its pilgrim memorial. One , who enjoys cycling , sometimes carries his bike on his back. The rain of the past days and weeks left its marks. As it spilled away the trail. Without bags and rucksack it would be fun but carrying all the weight is exhausting.

 Eunate is a place to rest. Being alone there I enjoy it.  Strange that most of the pilgrims are running- as good as they can- and hasten to reach the last bed in a hostel.

After the good experience I`ve made in the youth hostel in Roncesvalles , I intend to stay in the one in  Puente la Reina . Although the village is not to big I do not find it . So my way brings me back to the hostel of the Padres Reparadores. Which I past earlier when entering the village. 

After all the stories I`ve heard about "real "hostels I had been hesitating to go there.  And I have to admit I hardly slept the first night. But it was fun .staying . sleeping with 15 or 20 others in a room. An experience which I had already forgotten how it is.  Listening to all other "hermanos", whether I want or not, kept me awake. One good advice which I haven't found in most packing lists: do not forget earplugs.  

Pilgrims usualy start between 6:00 and 7:00 am.  Than its time for all others to get up.

Still I was the last to leave . So it was that day, and I will be all other days - until the end of my pilgrimage. Usualy I will be the last when leaving at morning, and I will be the last to get at the hostel at 6 or 7pm.