This morning we departed Madrid by high speed train to Pamplona. The 3.5 hour ride through the Spanish countryside was outstanding. Medieval villages, churches,  vineyards and historic homes were plentiful.

Eladio, Donna, and I got chills as we pulled into Pamplona station. The challenge of the Camino de Santiago all became more real when we saw the first pilgrims walking through town with their boots, poles and backpacks. They were following the sign of the Camino, which is the seashell symbol to mark the way. We wandered a bit through town along the historic trail, imagining how life would be for us in just two days, as we embark on the trail ourselves.

Seashells mark the way of the Camino

Our feet on the Camino for the very first time

Arrow points the direction of Camino

The Camino goes right through the center of Pamplona

Cathedral in Pamplona

Eladio and Donna capturing their first glimpse of the Camino